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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/04/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfficial minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota April 14, 2025 The meeting convened at 6:15 p.m. Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Yolanda Farris, Lynette Dumalag, and Margaret Rog (arrived at 7 p.m.) Council members absent: none Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), Mr. Kruelle (police chief), Mr. Nadem (deputy police chief), facilities superintendent (Mr. Eisold), Mr. Coleman (community engagement coordinator), Ms. Smith (communications and technology director; community technology advisory commission staff liaison) Guests: Chair Drew Keogh and Vice Chair Konner Slaats, Community Technology Advisory Commission (CTAC) Discussion items 1.Police facility assessment presentation Mr. Eisold, Mr. Kruelle and Mr. Nadem presented the staff report. It was noted that since the current police department facility was built in 1993, operational needs have changed, including a shift in officers’ gender-specific needs within facilities, training requirements and a 40% increase in staff. Additionally, several large infrastructure items are due for replacement or enhancement, such as air conditioning, roof, shooting range targeting systems and windows/glass. Both the operational and functional needs led to requesting a facility assessment of the police department facility, which was included in the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan. Staff hired BKV Group to perform a facility and space needs assessment of the current police department facility. The resulting assessment indicates the facility is not viable for long-term operations and department goals, identifying deficiencies such as a shortage of operational space, inequitable facilities for officers depending on gender, and a lack of space for health/wellness, inclusivity and training. Council Member Dumalag asked how the proposal of 71,000 square feet was developed. Mr. Eisold stated that the proposal is based on comparison with other similar facilities, given staffing levels based on industry standards and core services as identified by the city. Ms. Keller asked if the Edina facility has an indoor, built-in fleet space, or if only the newer buildings such as the one in Burnsville have that type of space. Chief Kruelle stated that Edina does have it. Council Member Farris noted the square footage on comparable facilities versus the St. Louis Park facilities and the discrepancies from one facility to the next. Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -2- April 14, 2025 Council Member Dumalag asked about total square footage space per person including storage, but not just office space. Mr. Eisold stated that the space is the total number of employees divided by the gross square footage, including garage and storage space. Council Member Dumalag noted that other facilities may utilize their spaces differently or need more storage space because they have different programs. Mr. Eisold agreed and stated each facility has its own needs for certain square footage amounts. Council Member Dumalag stated St. Louis Park is not deficient in its training and makes accommodations elsewhere, if needed, adding she wanted to point that out. Mr. Kruelle agreed and added that staff work very hard to ensure staff are trained and have the equipment needed, and are supported. Chief Kruelle stated one of the areas of concern noted in the facility study was that the current facility is inadequate and has inequitable locker room space for female staff, which is a barrier to hiring and retaining employees. Essentially, the facility is out of space in this area, at a time when community service officers (CSO) are being hired. With the majority of our recent CSO hires being female, this has only served to exacerbate the current locker room space issue. Chief Kruelle added that inabilities to support current training requirements have become an issue also: as mandates have changed, training requirements have changed. He stated they are using spaces that are not meant for training, which causes challenges with safety and also limiting what they can accomplish. Chief Kruelle also noted there is a lack of interview rooms for investigations and for interviewing suspects, with no element of privacy. Chief Kruelle identified a fourth area of concern being the lack of community space for collaboration. He explained that high-level technology squad cars used by the police need an indoor facility to be housed. Mr. Eisold noted police cars are stored outside and all over the city currently, which causes issues, especially when dealing with the elements. Council Member Brausen asked what percentage of the day the average squad car is in use. Chief Kruelle stated it is a significant portion of the day, and would report back if needed. Council Member Brausen said it was not necessary. Council Member Baudhuin asked how facilities impact the police department's ability to recruit new officers. Mr. Nadem stated it is a significant impact, especially with the younger generation who want to earn a salary but also want a positive environment in which to work, as well as technology and training facilities to support their work and allow them to grow. The police department wants to maintain the current positive culture and also continue to attract top candidates. This especially becomes more difficult when cities around St. Louis Park continue to improve their facilities. Council Member Baudhuin asked about the fuel used to heat and cool squad cars, especially since they house an office and a hospital within them. He also asked about a cost analysis on this and if a temperature-controlled garage would cost less in terms of energy used than the Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -3- April 14, 2025 amount of fuel being burned by keeping cars running all the time. Chief Kruelle gave the example of another facility who noted significant fuel reductions with indoor vehicle facilities. He stated there are opportunities within this space. Chief Kruelle explained that when recruiting, it is important to remember officers come to work for 12 to13 hours per day and they want an environment that feels comfortable, a facility that supports wellness, training, locker rooms, and fits all their equipment comfortably. He stated St. Louis Park does a great job of recruiting, but he has no doubt the police force is challenged to draw candidates because of facilities challenges. Council Member Budd asked how many comparable department buildings also have jail facilities. Chief Kruelle stated there is some variability, but noted St. Louis Park is on the higher side in terms of how long they can house inmates. He noted in a new facility, there would be an opportunity to decrease the footprint and not operate at the 72-hour capacity any longer. He added that because the inmate space is very fortified, it will be difficult to reconstruct. Mayor Mohamed asked if someone is held over the weekend if they are arrested on a Friday. Chief Kruelle stated St. Louis Park had moved out of that platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated there were savings in this area in the past when fewer inmates were housed initially at Hennepin County, but there are also risks from this approach. Council Member Farris asked if St. Louis Park will begin housing inmates again or will continue to move them directly to Hennepin County. Chief Kruelle stated that since 2020, moving inmates to Hennepin County has become the practice. St. Louis Park police continue to process driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) cases, but once that process is over, inmates are transferred to Hennepin County. Council Member Dumalag asked about the police force hiring more diverse staff and about increased facility needs to support diverse staffing. Mr. Nadem stated proposed new locker room space will be gender neutral. Wellness rooms will provide space for female staff who are mothers, and for officers who need a space in which to rest when necessary. Mr. Kruelle added that the police department’s large staff comprises field officers, dispatch operators, records administration and many others. Mr. Eisold stated there are three options to consider: 1. Maintaining the existing facility with no expansion, remaining at the status quo at a cost of $5 million over the next ten years. 2. Continued maintenance of facility, additional ventilation work, expansion of the existing facility impacting the park area surrounding, remodeling 70% of the existing building, and additional multiple spaces totaling 44,000 square feet. 3. Tear down the existing structure and construct a new building with costs financed through bonding. Mayor Mohamed asked if the maintenance costs would still need to be considered with option two. Mr. Eisold stated yes that is correct, maintenance costs would remain. Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -4- April 14, 2025 Council Member Dumalag asked what the next steps would be. Mr. Eisold stated given council direction, a more in-depth feasibility study would be conducted. Council Member Dumalag acknowledged that there are costs involved and asked if options two and three could be studied further. Mr. Eisold stated that further study could be conducted if directed by the council. Council Member Baudhuin asked if option three would impact the public park adjacent to the police facility. Mr. Eisold stated yes, options two and three would impact the park, but that would need to be reviewed. Council Member Baudhuin stated he would like the parks and recreation department to be included in considerations that impact the park. Ms. Keller stated that parks and recreation have been involved related to the ball fields and tennis courts, and are definitely part of the conversation. Council Member Budd asked if building a new facility of 71,000 square feet would put St. Louis Park far beyond any of the comparison city facilities at 845 square feet per person. Mr. Eisold stated yes and added that accommodating today's needs as well as those of the future is the main concern. Council Member Rog stated a 30-year life span for a building seems to be short, and noted the proposed building also has a projected use of 30 years. She asked if this was typical. Mr. Eisold stated that is correct, adding it seems to be a short amount of time, but space being the big driver compared to other cities is the concern. Council Member Rog asked if there is a way to increase the long-term sustainability of these buildings. Mr. Eisold stated that it may be possible with new construction of a bigger building, but then the comparisons to other cities’ facilities will change. Ms. Keller stated that the future of policing, the philosophy of community policing, and the city’s approach will also help determine the outcome of future facilities' sustainability. Council Member Farris added that the space is needed for more future female police officers who have children and who are nursing. She stated the city has to change with the times. Mayor Mohamed stated she does not support option one, adding she is considering options two and three. She understands the need and supports this conversation, but added that things will only get more expensive in the future. She stated she is currently supporting option two and would like to see a more in-depth feasibility study. Council Member Rog asked if there is any consideration for community spaces being integrated into a future building, and if so, what is the vision. Mr. Eisold stated that it could certainly be an option, and in the next study, that could be explored. Council Member Rog stated she supports doing an in-depth feasibility study on options two and three. Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -5- April 14, 2025 Council Members Budd, Farris and Baudhuin agreed with Council Member Rog. Council Member Baudhuin added he is in favor of getting a good analysis on both options two and three, and investing as heavily as possible to get the most out of sustainability. He added that police facilities are generally supported by residents, regardless of views on policing. Council Member Dumalag agreed and stated that while option two seems more cost-effective, she would also like to see a feasibility study on the third option, especially when looking at space for investigations. She noted that this is not a facility that all residents will enter, especially because of the sensitive nature and security aspects of the work. She added it is not like the Westwood Nature Center, and that a closed session may be needed when discussing a future facility, as it falls under safety. Council Member Brausen stated he is also supportive of studying options two and three for many of the same reasons as other council members have indicated. He stated the council is looking at several facilities right now, so to understand the city’s infrastructure and plans for the next 30 years, it would be useful to have a chart showing when city buildings were built, the costs, all of the major facilities, and when they were upgraded. He stated this would help with timing, especially with regards to bonding and financing. Council Member Rog asked if there is a cost estimate for the feasibility study. Ms. Keller stated the cost of a study is not known at this time; $50,000 is budgeted for studies. Council Member Budd asked if there would be any repercussions from tariff costs, making it difficult to do a feasibility study. Mr. Eisold stated the study would not be affected, but tariffs may impact estimates. Council Member Baudhuin noted that in the meantime, until a new facility can be built, it would be helpful to make some improvements, such as a carport to house squad cars in the interim. 2. Boards and commissions check in with city council: community technology advisory commission Mr. Coleman presented the staff report, noting that the community technology advisory commission will do a check-in tonight. He introduced CTAC Chair Drew Keogh and Vice Chair Konner Slaats. Mr. Coleman stated this overview will feature the CTAC’s approved work plan, completed tasks, ongoing projects and strategies. He added there will also be discussion and feedback from the council and potential modifications or additions to the work plan. Chair Keogh stated CTAC’s work considers the whole of the city's neighborhoods, as well as the city’s diverse population. He stated St. Louis Park is a very sought-after location, which draws all types of people, so CTAC considers all of this when looking at communications and technology within the city. Council Member Rog asked how often CTAC meets. Chair Keogh stated every other month. Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -6- April 14, 2025 Council Member Rog asked if the meeting schedule could be a barrier in providing feedback on what the city is doing. Chair Keogh stated they meet every other month to talk about opportunities and what they are hearing in the community. He stated if CTAC were tasked with projects and deliverables, they would meet more frequently. He added that if the council were to come to them with questions or concerns, they would definitely meet more often. Council Member Rog noted some ideas about community outreach related to internet access. She suggested that CTAC have a table at city events during the year, such as the Senior Fair, Juneteenth, or Children First programs, where they could help people understand technology options. She referenced Vision 4.0 and stated CTAC could participate or encourage those with a technological background to participate in engagement sessions. She added with outreach, there are also opportunities to provide drop-in opportunities for seniors at the Lenox Center. Council Member Rog stated that CTAC members could bring expertise to drafting research and writing “white papers” that the city could utilize to make timely decisions about ADA or the city website. Council Member Budd stated in addition to what Council Member Rog has said, it would also be helpful if CTAC could produce a brochure that could be shared at city events year-round. She asked if CTAC has ideas about keeping the website as engaging as possible, and also if the city is actually engaging the public. Chair Keogh agreed that metrics could be developed and measured. He added that to be feasible, they would first need to know how to build, implement and track metrics. Mike Siegler, previous CTAC chair, added that technology is immense, metrics are available, and are a best practice of what businesses and governments do. He stated CTAC is not always able to make changes, especially since much of this work is already being conducted by staff. He stated there has been an issue with CTAC staying engaged and proactive, and they continue to look at what is achievable. He noted CTAC would need to be involved earlier in the process. Council Member Budd asked if CTAC has seen the new communication forms between boards and commissions and the council. Mr. Siegler stated he has not. Council Member Budd stated she does not see items such as this on the CTAC work plan. Mr. Siegler agreed that the CTAC work plan is very light, adding that there is much more to be engaged with. He stated CTAC is back to where they started, they do not have a mandate, and there is no real need for CTAC but possibly a desire. He added he likes the “white paper” idea. Council Member Budd noted that tabling at events can also help to get CTAC front facing with the public and forwarding messages. Mr. Siegler stated that is true, but added CTAC would need assistance to do tabling. Council Member Budd pointed out that the National League of Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities both provide newsletters that provide technology information that city Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -7- April 14, 2025 governments need to be aware of. She encouraged CTAC to get on that mailing list, which would be helpful. Chair Keogh stated the council does not know what they do not know. He added that the CTAC work plan is a way for the commission to be effective and provide information to the council. He stated CTAC wants to get in front of issues, ideas and plans that the council may suggest, and noted that if a different work plan is needed, CTAC can provide that. Council Member Baudhuin stated his appreciation for CTAC’s report and its engagement in the city. He stated he would like to see a list of CTAC's goals and what they need to achieve them. Chair Keogh stated CTAC could recommend a roadmap to the council in various areas, including safety, marketing and communications, adding that this could be a valuable work item. Mayor Mohamed noted there are issues with artificial intelligence (AI), and stated she thinks about misinformation and miscommunication. She asked what CTAC’s role of expertise may be in this area, and how they communicate with residents about it. Chair Keogh stated it is the consumer’s responsibility to understand AI. He stated there is no way to control it at this time. He added that AI and cybercrimes are an epidemic, so awareness and training, as well as support systems, are needed. Council Member Dumalag stated her concerns include gaps and access to technology. She stated people may not be aware of the technology available to them and she is interested in user experience related to any front-facing technologies, such as the city website. She agreed the dashboard information is difficult to access, and noted that educating residents on cybercrime and victimization is important. She stated the police department may have information that can help educate the greater public. She stated it will be important how the infrastructure is built with technology. Chair Keogh stated the best outcome for the community is most important, and CTAC can help create recommendations. Council Member Brausen added that CTAC is in a difficult spot, as there are dedicated and salaried city staff who support technology already. He asked how the CTAC, in an advisory role, can be integrated with staff and how CTAC members' knowledge can be utilized best. Chair Keogh stated the CTAC is a group of volunteer consultants that staff can and should use. He suggested staff do their work and continue to come to CTAC to be a checkpoint before an item comes to council, adding this would be a way for CTAC to continue to be of assistance. Council Member Brausen stated that updates on US Cable service to residents can also be valuable information to convey. Council Member Rog stated the council’s expectation is that staff will leverage the expertise of board and commission members. Ms. Keller added that staff work hard to lean on boards and commissions and their expertise, and there is a healthy tension between those providing information on policy to council versus Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -8- April 14, 2025 staff making technical decisions about operational items. She stated that at times, the lane can be different related to utilizing board and commission members' expertise and governance, and this tension is always being navigated. Council Member Rog stated the “white paper” idea continues to be an option. She noted another project for CTAC may be to assist staff with input about the future police station and the latest and greatest technology. Chair Keogh added that bridging communication on how to build the budget related to the updated police station may also help to validate the process. Council Member Rog reminded CTAC of the advisory communication tool and about submitting this to council for the purpose of providing input. She added that partnering with the senior center might also be an option for utilizing the advisory communication tool, and also submitting communication to the council about the dashboard. Chair Keogh stated CTAC will discuss the advisory communication tool at their next meeting and decide what topics and information can be submitted to the council through the advisory communication tool. He added this discussion has been helpful, and directives can be taken back to the commission for further discussion. Mayor Mohamed stated the point of boards and commissions is to advise council, and the effectiveness of this is determined by the council to commissions. She added that taxpayers have already spent dollars to utilize staff for their expertise and noted she wants to be sure council does not start going into small bowl items. Council Member Baudhuin stated that staff drafts policy, the council represents the people, and boards and commissions are an extension of representing the people, which leads to more engagement with the community. He stated this is important, and he encouraged CTAC to think about this as they do their work. Ben Straus, a CTAC commissioner in attendance, introduced himself. Ms. Keller stated common themes from tonight’s discussion with CTAC are providing feedback on policies, and how community will experience technology, such as through the city website. She added how community accesses technology, making smart decisions around technology through events and tabling, and the concept of value proposition on projects, while being thoughtful, are other themes from tonight’s discussion. Written Reports 3. Aquatic park assessment results 4. Results of off-leash dog park location review Council Member Baudhuin asked if the parks noted in the written report are the only possible locations for dog parks. Ms. Keller stated no, adding that as potential sites are identified, they can be sent to her or Ms. Walsh for review. Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988 Study session minutes -9- April 14, 2025 Council Member Baudhuin stated he would like to see a dog park located in the southern part of the city, as there are already two in the north end. Council Member Dumalag noted there are no dog parks east of Highway 100 either, adding Browndale neighborhood has always been interested in a dog park. Council Member Brausen stated Lamplighter Park would be a great location for a dog park as well. Council Member Rog stated the criteria for parks were good, but noted the one-half acre could be limiting. She stated that additions made to the dog park location review were helpful as well. Ms. Keller referred to the aquatic park assessment written report and stated if the council supports aquatic park improvements, $2.2 million would be added to the CIP for the improvements outlined in the report. She stated that staff is also exploring other types of funding. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 42302974-7F5B-456C-81B7-EEE5C6220988