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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/01/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfficial minutes City council study session Jan. 21, 2025 St. Louis Park, Minnesota The meeting convened at 8:13 p.m. Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Margaret Rog Council members absent: Yolanda Farris Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen) Discussion item 1. PLACES public art Ms. Brodeen presented the staff report and reviewed the policy question for council consideration: Does the city council support funding public art at a Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) station stop in St. Louis Park? If so, 1. Does the council agree with the recommended station site; and 2. Does the council agree that staff should incorporate the recommended budget of $175,000 into the 2026 budget process. Council Member Rog asked how artists will be chosen and where the art will be installed. Ms. Brodeen stated that the city, in consultation with the developer, will form a committee of community members, Friends of the Arts members, PLACES Board Members and city staff. The city will publish a call for artists to participate and the committee will select art pieces. Council Member Brausen offered comments on the background and context of past work with PLACES. At one time, the city council had decided they would raise funds for public art and worked with an individual to explore funding options. He noted he believes, at some point, that Hennepin County may also play a role in providing funding for public art related to this project. He asked council what type of support was available for this. Ms. Brodeen stated the city is in a position to do this work itself because of all the support St. Louis Park has had around public art. Council Member Rog stated before committing the entire public art budget tonight, she wanted to bring up the Dakota Edgewood Bridge, a major infrastructure project that cost $10-12 million a few years ago. Initially, there was a commitment from city staff of $200,000 - and then reduced by council to $80,000 - for public art in this area. She noted discussions took place that included members of the Dakota People, but unfortunately, several staff members left and then the COVID-19 pandemic took place, so the project was left by the wayside. She asked the council to consider whether there could be modest investments over the next few years to revive and maintain some kind of art there that respects the Dakota People. Docusign Envelope ID: 1D2AB05E-3719-4AF9-8577-42C6497F2592 Study session minutes -2- Jan. 21, 2025 Ms. Keller stated she appreciates this conversation. She stated the best time to consider public art is at the inception of the project because that is when you can build in intention. This intentionality can include how art is displayed or incorporated, or what structural supports need to be added. She stated that the council can prioritize monies through project adoption processes and can also set up a public art program within the general fund. Ms. Keller stated she would be uncomfortable identifying a specific project without criteria around what the program would be. Ms. Brodeen added it would be helpful to have a policy discussion through the community and civic engagement system next year to talk about how the council wants to allocate which public art projects get funded on an annual basis, noting that the Dakota bridge art could be part of the 2026 budget discussion. Council Member Brausen stated there were promises made around the other project. Council Member Baudhuin stated when there are promises made and projects get dropped for whatever reasons beyond our control, the council should at least look into it further. Council Member Brausen stated he would like to have this conversation related to the Dakota Bridge project. Council Member Dumalag added there should be a policy on art, and there should be direction and a paper trail. She stated this should be a broader discussion. Council Member Dumalag stated for the policy considerations, she agrees with the recommended station site, and she does agree with the $175,000 funding as well because it is the entrance and exit to the city and is another gateway. Mayor Mohamed asked if $175,000 were to be allocated for PLACES public art, would it make it more difficult to fund the Dakota Bridge Project. Ms. Keller stated this discussion would need to be had with engineering and finance staff. Mayor Mohamed stated this is a broader conversation about public art. She added she is in support of both policy considerations, noting it is the gateway into the city. Council Member Budd agreed and stated she is also in support of both policy questions. Council Member Baudhuin added he is also in support of both policy questions and prefers the art project be something highly visible, such as the plaza. He stated there are three different discussions about public art this evening – PLACES public art, projects about public art, and also projects that have been lost, dropped and forgotten. The Dakota Bridge Project does not fall into the general funding of public art. Council Member Rog agreed and stated she agrees with public art at the Southwest LRT and agrees with both policy questions. She thanked the council for their comments about the Dakota Bridge Project and looks forward to further discussions and potential investments for the project. Docusign Envelope ID: 1D2AB05E-3719-4AF9-8577-42C6497F2592 Study session minutes -3- Jan. 21, 2025 Council Member Brausen stated he is in favor of committing the $175,000 to public art located at the Louisiana Station on the LRT. He added if there will not be any public art installed on the parking ramp at the Beltline Station, then he would prefer to take $25,000 of these funds and put a mural on the side of the ramp. He added there is greater impact to the investment from murals versus other projects. He added he would also like to see what Hennepin County might contribute in matching funds before the city moves further on this. Written Reports 2. Authority to change the scope and purpose of statutory board roles update 3. Quarterly development update – 1st Quarter 2025 • Council Member Baudhuin said he is happy to see the information on Union Flats. • Council Member Dumalag added she is happy to see the report on diversity, equity and inclusion goals and is grateful for this information. • Mayor Mohamed stated she is happy to see the report on statutory board roles. • Council Member Rog added related to the statutory board roles report, there were specific comments made and she is hopeful they were captured. Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 1D2AB05E-3719-4AF9-8577-42C6497F2592