HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/08/27 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularfffSt. Louis Park Official minutes
M I N N E S O T A Special city council meeting
%aPcric,v_c blf6 in +I,�e Fark St. Louis Park, Minnesota
August 27, 2018
1. Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Hallfin called the special meeting to order at 6:29 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin,
Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Chief Harcey, Engineering Director (Ms.
Heiser), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Economic Development
Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Management
Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), Racial Equity Manager (Ms. Sojourner), and Recording Secretary
(Ms. Pappas).
2. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
2a. Second reading interim ordinance establishing moratorium on use and
development of 3745 Louisiana Ave S. Ordinance No. 2542-18.
Mr. Walther presented the staff report..
Mayor Spano arrived to the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Councilmember Harris thanked Mr. Walther for answers to her questions from last
week, and stated she supports the moratorium.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the city would purchase this property, and if the city has
had a moratorium in previous years with similar situations. Mr. Walther stated the city
has had moratoriums in the past. He also stated that the moratorium does not prevent
the property from being sold.
Ms. Barton noted the property owners indicated an intent to put a different business at
the location when Sam's Club closed. She stated the assessed value is $11 million;
however, the city assessor said the property could sell for up to $20 million, adding the
property did come up for sale, but is not marketed as a single parcel.
Councilmember Mavity stated she has some concerns about the moratorium disrupting
the private market interest, and she wants to be thoughtful about the city entering the
market this way, even though it is an opportunity, especially next to the light rail.
Councilmember Miller agreed with Councilmember Mavity, adding the most important
piece is the Comprehensive Plan and the city's designated land for certain uses.
Special City Council Meeting -2- August 27, 2018
Councilmember Rog asked if the city had the option to purchase the land, for any use,
down the road. Ms. Barton stated that option is not off the table, but that the city is not
pursuing purchasing the site at this time. Councilmember Rog added she is in favor of
the city keeping an eye on an opportunity down the road to purchase the property.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve the second reading and adopt interim Ordinance No. 2542-18 temporarily
restricting use and development at 3745 Louisiana Ave. S. and approve the summary
ordinance for publication.
The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Mavity opposed).
3. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.