Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/02/03 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting Feb. 3, 2025 St. Louis Park, Minnesota 1. Call to order. Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. a. Pledge of allegiance b. Roll call Council members present: Margaret Rog, Lynette Dumalag, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Yolanda Farris, Paul Baudhuin, Mayor Nadia Mohamed. Council members absent: none Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Shepherd), community development director (Ms. Barton), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), economic development manager (Mr. Hunt), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal), engineering project manager (Mr. Wiesen), senior planner (Ms. Chamberlain) 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations. a. Proclamation observing Black History Month Council Member Farris read the proclamation. Council Member Baudhuin stated he is proud to stand and recognize Black History Month as it is representative of American history as a whole. In the current political climate, this recognition and knowledge is important. 4. Minutes a. Minutes of Jan. 6, 2025, city council study session Council Member Rog requested a revision to page 1, paragraph 2, to state: “Council Member Rog noted that Forecast is an arts focused organization and asked if that focus is broad enough for them to be leading all the vision work. Ms. Krava stated that questions will not be around art, but around topics such as housing and mobility. Council Member Rog noted some residents will not want to engage through the arts but will prefer more traditional channels. Council Member Rog stated she will email ideas for additional organizations to reach out to.” Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -2- Feb. 3, 2025 It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve the Jan. 6, 2025 city council study session minutes as amended. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent items. a. Approve city disbursements b. Resolution No. 25-017 approving liquor license renewals c. Approve bid for removal of nuisance trees on public property for 2025 - 2026 d. Approve bid for removal of nuisance trees on private property for 2025 - 2026 e. Approve replacement of Zamboni (unit 1108) f. Approve replacement of Trackless Sidewalk Tractor with Sno-Quip Ribbon blower and V- plow (units 1924, 1924B and 1924P) g. Resolution No. 25-018 authorizing special assessment for water service line repair at 5922 Excelsior Boulevard -Ward 2 It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Brausen, 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 for on-sale cocktail room and off-sale micro distillery liquor licenses 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 Dumalag stated the recommended action seems straightforward and is administrative in nature. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the on-sale cocktail room and off-sale micro distillery liquor licenses as recommended by staff. The motion passed 7-0. b. Public hearing on establishment of the Terasa TIF District – Ward 4 Mr. Hunt presented the staff report. Council Member Dumalag asked for clarification on whether the developer had agreed to and was reporting their actuals on hiring, not just the targets. Mr. Hunt stated that the developer has agreed to abide by the DEI policy, which has policy guidelines for both hiring of DEI enterprises as well as labor force. Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -3- Feb. 3, 2025 Council Member Budd asked if the value of $97.1 million applies to this piece of the project. Mr. Hunt stated that is the estimated cost of the proposed redevelopment. Council Member Budd stated there has also been information regarding future development. Mr. Hunt stated the estimated value of the proposed development in the staff report refers only to the 5401 Gamble Drive parcel. Council Member Rog stated the proposal calls for the current building to be taken down and asked the developer, Hempel Real Estate, if there was any consideration given to repurposing the existing building and if not, why not. Mr. McKelvey, senior developer with Hempel Real Estate, said they will reclaim some of the paver materials for future use and will try to salvage as much of the existing brick as they can. The material will be salvaged for repurpose and donation. Council Member Rog asked if there was any consideration given to repurposing and salvaging the existing building. Mr. McKelvey stated this is not feasible; this building is not needed in the market any longer. He described it as an aging commercial space that will be replaced by retail and affordable housing. Utilizing this building would be difficult, but there are demolition companies that will demolish and then store materials for donation, and they intend to utilize these services. Council Member Rog asked about the likelihood of housing vouchers being requested and if it is 100% likely those vouchers will be secured. Mr. Hunt stated he could not speak for the housing authority, but he assumed vouchers would be approved. Council Member Rog asked if there are enough vouchers available to satisfy potential demand. Ms. Barton confirmed that there are. Council Member Rog asked about Tax Increment Finance (TIF) versus the Planned Unit Development (PUD). She followed up with another question about tree loss impacts and how loss will be mitigated. Mr. Hunt stated those would be excellent questions for the upcoming presentation on the next agenda item. Council Member Rog asked about the council’s consideration of TIF scheduled for the meeting on Feb. 18, 2025. She asked if staff would confirm whether adherence to the city’s policies related to housing and green building will be required regardless of TIF status. Mr. Hunt stated the developer will be required to adhere to the city’s recently amended inclusionary housing, green building, and DEI policies because they are pursuing TIF, and in addition, because they are requesting a PUD, both of which are triggers. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. No action was taken by the city council. The vote will be taken at the Feb. 18, 2025 meeting. 7. Regular business Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -4- Feb. 3, 2025 a. Resolutions No. 25-025 and 25-026 – Terasa planned unit development and West End Office Park special permit amendment and conditional use permit – 5401 Gamble Drive – Ward 4 Ms. Chamberlain presented the staff report. Council Member Rog asked about tree loss impacts related to this proposed development. Ms. Chamberlain stated a number of trees will be removed for this project. Some trees were added in 2020 during significant updates to the property. Some of those trees will be removed in light of the higher density development proposed, and not all will be replaced with plantings, but will be replaced with fee-in-lieu. Council Member Rog asked how many trees will be removed and if the trees planted in 2020 were at the expense of the property owner. Ms. Chamberlain stated yes, the trees in 2020 were paid for by the property owner. She added today, there are 778 caliper inches of tree being removed. Replacement is 875 caliper inches, with 677 caliper inches proposed to be fee-in-lieu. Council Member Rog stated her understanding is that the developer will replant trees as close to the new development as possible. Ms. Chamberlain stated the city’s policy is to use fee-in- lieu funds within two years to plant in the same areas and within the public right of way, as close to the buildings as possible. Council Member Rog asked if the monies go to the city to purchase trees and coordinate and facilitate the planting process. Ms. Chamberlain stated yes. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Budd, to table action on the special permit amendment and CUP to Feb. 18, 2025, and approve first reading of an ordinance adding section 36-268-PUD 25 to the Zoning Code and amending the zoning map from O-office to PUD 25 and set the second reading for Feb. 18, 2025. The motion passed 7-0. b. Resolution No. 25-019 establishing the 2025 Pavement Management Project (4025- 1000) – Ward 4 Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report. Council Member Rog asked about the rationale and tree impacts of the sidewalk section on Boone Avenue. Mr. Wiesen stated it provides a connection from Cedar Lake Road sidewalks to the existing sidewalks on 25th Street and on Boone Avenue north of 25th Street. There are minimal impacts to trees and there is just one that needs to be removed; Mr. Wiesen added that staff will investigate if the tree can be relocated. Council Member Rog noted the speeds are very low on that stretch of road and asked why there is need for a sidewalk there. Mr. Wiesen stated that staff reviewed traffic speeds and volumes as a part of their recommendation and ultimately this is about the connections it makes to existing sidewalks and the neighborhood. Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -5- Feb. 3, 2025 Kate Knott stated she is a new resident of St. Louis Park. She thanked the city for its infrastructure improvements and stated the city is a wonderful place to live. She stated this proposal is near her home and covers the equivalent of three residential lots. She stated while she recognized the goal of sidewalk continuity, the placement of this section is questionable. She stated pedestrians need to come from the sidewalk on Cedar Lake Road or from 25th Street, which is narrow and uneven. She stated this new section only continues for three additional houses and asked if the $10,500 cost aligns with the broader goal of a continuous and accessible network. An arborist told Ms. Knott that the two trees in her yard would most definitely not survive construction. She stated that if this sidewalk is built, she wants formal acknowledgment from the city that these trees will need to be removed so she will not have the burden of dealing with removal. She asked if these funds could be better spent on existing sidewalks. Council Member Brausen thanked Ms. Knott for her concerns and noted this has been a hot topic in Ward 4. He understands concerns about tree impacts. He stated he has been to the area and is sad about the fact that one tree will need to be removed and hopes it can be re- planted. He stated the city assessment did not indicate that Ms. Knott’s trees will be impacted. The city does a great job of working and building around trees. He stated this does fulfill a public purpose and allows a route from 25th Street back down to Cedar Lake Road. He stated he will support this project as presented by staff and apologized for any inconvenience. He added road projects are always difficult, and patience and acceptance from residents is needed as the city needs to update infrastructure. Council Member Budd asked about 25th Street and asked staff to comment on the need for repairs. Mr. Wiesen stated staff will review the sidewalk and determine if repairs are needed. Council Member Budd asked if any resulting repairs may be funded out of the Pavement Management project, as the costs are lower than initially thought, and funds would be available. Mr. Wiesen stated repairs would be added to the concrete replacement project if needed. Council Member Budd asked if this pavement management project was not completed now, how many years before the city comes back to this area. Mr. Wiesen stated typically the city will be back in this area in eight years. However, it could be at least 30 years before they would be back on Boone Avenue again. Council Member Rog stated she appreciated the comments from Kate and her requests. She stated there have been concerns over the years from residents about pavement management projects and tree impacts, adding she agrees with Council Member Brausen on how the city is very careful and thoughtful about trees. She trusts staff are speaking the truth that these trees will be preserved. She added usually, 99-100% of residents who said they did not want a sidewalk in front of their home are happy after it is completed as it brings life to the neighborhood and street. Kids can play there, neighbors walk there, and it adds to the quality of life. She added she hopes this will be Kate’s experience there as well. Council Member Baudhuin asked who covers the costs if private trees do need to be removed. Mr. Wiesen stated the city will minimize impacts as much as possible. Ms. Heiser stated the city does everything it can to protect trees but shares concerns about the city guaranteeing there Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -6- Feb. 3, 2025 will not be impacts to trees near the right of way. She stated staff looks at the health of the trees in the right of way, but not those on private property. Not knowing the current condition of the private trees, there is risk to the city to guarantee their long-term health but shared that the city will do everything they can to not impact trees. Council Member Baudhuin stated while the city is very careful, they might want to plan ahead in case a resident’s tree is impacted by a city project at some point in the future. Council Member Dumalag stated there are concerns in her ward as well about tree preservation and reiterated the city does its best to do these projects with minimal impact to trees. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to adopt Resolution No. 25-019, establishing the 2025 Pavement Management Project (4025-1000) – Ward 4. The motion passed 7-0. c. Resolutions No. 25-020, 25-021, 25-022 - establishing the 2025 Commercial Street Rehabilitation project (4015-1050) – Ward 2 Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report. Council Member Dumalag asked whether parking is allowed anytime or overnight. Mr. Wiesen stated the parking allowed at Raleigh Avenue and 36th Street at any time with truck parking restrictions on 35th Street. Council Member Dumalag asked about Arrive and Thrive and the improvements to make this a more walkable area. Mr. Wiesen stated as part of the improvement project, the city did look at the existing sidewalks, destinations and traffic. Staff recommends a sidewalk on both sides based on need. There is already a sidewalk there, but they are not continuous – the proposed project would rectify this situation. Council Member Dumalag asked if sewer work and underground utilities improvements are needed in this area. Mr. Wiesen confirmed that improvements are needed and now is the time to make them. He also noted the sanitary sewer will be upsized for future redevelopments. Council Member Baudhuin asked about parking and noted that with one exception, there will be no parking on both sides of the street. Mr. Wiesen stated that the allowed parking area will be on the east and south side of the streets in this project. He noted the two new developments at Belt Line, going on to state that segment of the street is 40 feet wide and will not be reduced, so there is enough room for both sides to park there, as well as a turn lane. Council Member Rog asked about the maneuverability of trucks in this area. She observed there is more room when there is no parking on one side of the street. She asked about any studies the city had done related to the prevalence of allowed parking on both sides. Mr. Wiesen stated the city did study this. A section of Raleigh Avenue from 36th up to north of 35th Street has high parking demand on both sides of the street during business hours, including semi-parking as well. Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -7- Feb. 3, 2025 Council Member Rog asked about the status of future prohibition of semi-truck parking in the area. Mr. Wiesen stated staff is planning to reach out to the neighborhood to discuss truck parking, and noted they wanted to have enough time to discuss this before anything is implemented. Council Member Rog asked if there are any issues brought up by property owners in the area. She asked if the city is ready to mitigate future concerns around safety and maneuverability, and what those steps might be. Mr. Wiesen stated additional parking restrictions could address future concerns. Andrea Zuckman, 2617 Lynn Avenue, asked where people will now park if they currently park on both sides of the street. Mayor Mohamed stated that staff are available in the lobby to assist residents with specific questions and provide additional information and follow-up. Council Member Dumalag stated she appreciated staff’s work on this project. She sees this as an extension of the work the city did at the roundabout, and helping folks be able to walk around and experience the city differently. She stated there are new neighbors there who walk to the post office and the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC). She will support the staff’s recommendations and sees this as a project that addresses future needs . Council Member Baudhuin added he is in favor of this project also and stated he is glad staff will engage with the neighborhood more on parking. He is also wondering why there is an issue with street parking when there are so many parking lots there. He stated this will be a great improvement in that stretch of road. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to adopt Resolutions No. 25-020, 25-021, 25-022 all resolutions presented in the packet and establishing the 2025 Commercial Street Rehabilitation project (4015-1050) – Ward 2. The motion passed 7-0. d. Resolutions No. 25-023 and 25-024 establishing Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvement project Phase 2 (4025-1100) – Ward 4 Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report. Council Member Brausen asked about $600,000 projected to mitigate contaminated soil, and if that refers to the soil throughout the corridor. Mr. Wiesen stated the majority of the contamination is located at the intersection of Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue. Council Member Brausen noted this intersection was the former location of a gas station and dry cleaner. He thanked staff for applying for grant funding to clean up of the contaminated soil. Council Member Baudhuin asked if the federal funding allocated may be in jeopardy. Ms. Heiser stated staff is monitoring the situation closely. She added there is $9 million allocated for this project and the state receives those funds and the city submits reimbursements for work completed, noting that a little over $4 million has already been reimbursed. Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -8- Feb. 3, 2025 Council Member Baudhuin asked if the funds were to be derailed, would that put an end to the project. Ms. Heiser stated that if federal funding was not available, the situation would need to be discussed internally and recommendations for project funding would be brought to the council for consideration. She noted $5 million was also received from the state for this project. Ms. Keller added staff is working closely with the city’s lobbyists and their delegation on this issue as well. Council Member Rog asked about the parking restrictions on Louisiana Avenue, what the impacts are, and what analysis was done. Ms. Heiser stated the parking restrictions have always been part of the plan and have always been shared with the community as a part of the public process. She added the project, as previously approved, included parking restrictions. Council Member Rog asked if $73,000 is the cost the city needs to cover for bike facilities on the alternate routes, as well as what the facilities will be. Mr. Wiesen referenced the map and Ms. Heiser explained that the bicycle facilities will not be along Louisiana, noting the alternate route to the west, with a new trail connection, then to Pennsylvania Avenue and to the bridge at Highway 394. She added on the east side, there is a cycle track on Cedar Lake Road from Kentucky Avenue to Hampshire Avenue, the route will go north on Hampshire, which ends at a dead end. She stated there will be a new trail connection there up to Wayzata Boulevard, and then a trail from Hampshire over to the crosswalk to get to the trail bridge over Highway 394. Council Member Rog asked if this map is available on the city website. Ms. Heiser stated yes. Council Member Rog asked about signage. Ms. Heiser stated all signage would be added as appropriate. Council Member Brausen stated this is part of a project that has been in the planning stage for many years. He noted this is the second phase, and the city will need to ask residents for their understanding during the construction, which will be challenging at times. He asked residents for grace during this project. Council Member Dumalag added this has been a multi-year discussion with different phases. She added she likes the roundabout at this location and she thanked staff for their work. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to adopt Resolution No. 25-023 approving final plans and specifications and authorizing ad for bid for Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvements project – Phase 2 (4024-1000), and to adopt Resolution No. 25-024 rescinding three resolutions and authorizing parking restrictions on Louisiana Avenue. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications and announcements – none. 9. Adjournment. Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275 City council meeting -9- Feb. 3, 2025 The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor Docusign Envelope ID: F8A5DD11-B6FE-4A3A-9015-FA5DE7436275