HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/05/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfficial minutes
City council special study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
May 5, 2025
The meeting convened at 6:40 p.m.
Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd,
Yolanda Farris, Lynette Dumalag, Margaret Rog
Council members absent: none
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller)
Discussion item
1. Proposed study session topic – Dakota Bridge Art – Ward 1
Ms. Keller noted this discussion is to determine a path forward for the proposed study session
topic.
Council Member Rog stated Dakota Bridge Art was reviewed a few weeks ago in a study session
meeting, and it seemed that there was interest from council members in discussing the concept
as a study session topic. She noted there are four council members interested, including Council
Members Farris, Baudhuin, Brausen and herself.
Ms. Keller stated that the staff recommendation is for the council to consider setting aside
funds in the 2026 budget process for public art programming. Staff would also work to develop
a standardized public art program. Once these funds are adopted in 2026, the council can
decide to spend them on a specific project or through a process.
Council Member Rog stated her understanding is that the council had previously approved
these funds but that the funds were not allocated. She added she would like the council to
discuss looking at finishing what was started or moving these funds into future specific projects.
Council Member Brausen agreed with Council Member Rog.
Ms. Keller stated that the council has a couple of alternatives to the staff recommendation. The
council could have a stand-alone study session discussion on this project or, when staff propose
additions to the budget in August, the council could give staff direction to add it to the 2026
budget.
Council Member Baudhuin stated he would like to see the Dakota Bridge Art project prioritized
for 2026 and is also interested in ongoing study and discussion of funding for public art in the
city. Ms. Keller stated this could happen through the budget discussions, or staff could set up a
separate discussion dedicated only to public art.
Council Member Rog stated that one conversation should not preclude the other and an
ongoing discussion of public art should continue. Council Member Dumalag agreed.
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Special study session minutes -2- May 5, 2025
Ms. Keller stated staff will present budget recommendations based on their best analysis. The
council’s great interest in public art and this project can be included in the report. Staff would
work to highlight items that have had interest in being funded but were not included as part of
the staff recommendation.
Council Member Rog asked why there would be additional discussion items included when
public art is to be brought up for discussion. Ms. Keller noted that for the public art discussion,
staff will do callouts on both the larger public art program and for this specific public art project
in the budget discussion.
Mayor Mohamed stated it makes sense to incorporate the public art discussion into the budget
discussion. She added this direction makes the best use of the council’s time.
Council Member Dumalag asked if the dollar amount noted in the report for this project would
be the same as was established in 2020. Ms. Keller stated yes, since that was the last direction
provided.
Communications/meeting check-in (verbal)
The meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
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