HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/06/16 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - RegularAGENDA
JUNE 16, 2025
6:00 p.m. Economic Development Authority meeting – Council Chambers
1. Call to order
2. Approve agenda.
3. Minutes
a.Minutes of June 2, 2025 EDA meeting
4. Consent item
a.Resolution approving grant agreement with Hennepin County related to Beltline Station
redevelopment - Ward 1
5. Public hearings – none.
6. Regular business – none.
7. Communications and announcements – none.
8. Adjournment.
6:15 p.m. City council meeting – Council Chambers
1.Call to order
a.Roll call.
b.Pledge of Allegiance.
2.Approve agenda.
3.Presentations
a.Retirement recognition for Brian Hoffman
b.Proclamation observing Juneteenth in 2025
4.Minutes
a.Minutes of June 2, 2025 city council meeting
b.Minutes of June 2, 2025 special study session
5.Consent items
a.Resolution recognizing Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
b.Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
c.Approve amendment to temporary premises extension - Ullsperger Brewing, LLC
d.Approve temporary/seasonal premises amendment - Haggard Barrel Brewing Company, LLC
e.Approve temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license - Church of the Holy Family
Agenda EDA, city council and special study session meetings of June 16, 2025
f. Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street - Ward 2
g. Resolution supporting and prioritizing 2026 capital budget requests to the Minnesota Department
of Management and Budget
h. Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota
for Beltline Station - Ward 1
i. Resolution authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2
j. Resolution authorizing loading zone on 31st Street - Ward 1
k. Resolution authorizing loading zone on County Road 25 South Service Drive - Ward 1
l. Approve replacement purchase of freightliner truck with plow and dump
m. Resolution authorizing special assessment for sewer line repair at 4124 Xenwood Avenue South -
Ward 2
n. Approve appointment to the Community Technology Advisory Commission
6. Public hearings – none.
7. Regular business – none.
8. Communications and announcements – none.
9. Adjournment.
Following city council meeting – Special study session – Community Room
Discussion items
1. Base budget and background
2. Proposed study session topic – planning for a community center
Written report
3. Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up
Members of the public can attend St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and city council meetings in person. At regular
city council meetings, members of the public may comment on any item on the agenda by attending the meeting in-person or by
submitting written comments to info@stlouisparkmn.gov by noon the day of the meeting. Official minutes of meetings are
available on the city website once approved.
Watch St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority or regular city council meetings live at bit.ly/watchslpcouncil or at
www.parktv.org, or on local cable (Comcast SD channel 14/HD channel 798). Recordings of the meetings are available to watch on
the city's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@slpcable, usually within 24 hours of the meeting’s end.
City council study sessions are not broadcast. Generally, it is not council practice to receive public comment during study sessions.
The council chambers are equipped with Hearing Loop equipment and headsets are available to borrow.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952.924.2505.
Meeting: Economic development authority
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Minutes: 3a
Unofficial minutes
EDA meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
June 2, 2025
1. Call to order.
President Budd called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
a. Roll call
Commissioners present: President Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen,
Yolanda Farris, Nadia Mohamed, Margaret Rog
Commissioners absent: none
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), fire chief (Mr.
Hanlin), police chief (Mr. Kruelle), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy police chief (Mr. Nadem),
communication manager (Mr. Sandell), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Commissioner Rog, seconded by Commissioner Farris, to approve the EDA
agenda as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Minutes.
a. EDA meeting minutes of May 19, 2025
It was moved by Commissioner Dumalag, seconded by Commissioner Brausen, to approve the
EDA meeting minutes of May 19, 2025, as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Consent items.
a. Approve EDA disbursements
It was moved by Commissioner Farris, seconded by Commissioner Brausen, to approve the
consent items as listed and to waive reading of all resolutions.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Public hearings – none.
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 3a) Page 2
Title: EDA meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
6. Regular business – none.
7. Communications and announcements – none.
8. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, EDA secretary Sue Budd, EDA president
Meeting: Economic development authority
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 4a
Executive summary
Title: Resolution approving grant agreement with Hennepin County related to Beltline Station
redevelopment - Ward 1
Recommended action: Motion to adopt resolution approving a Southwest Community Works
(SWCW) transit-oriented communities grant agreement with Hennepin County supporting the
Beltline Station redevelopment.
Policy consideration: Does the Economic Development Authority (EDA) approve the
proposed grant agreement with SWCW transit oriented communities grant program to support
Sherman Associates’ Beltline Station redevelopment?
Summary: The EDA has multiple agreements with Sherman Associates to develop a mixed-use,
transit-oriented development at the METRO Green Line Extension/Southwest Light Rail Transit
(SWLRT) Beltline Boulevard Station redevelopment site. The redevelopment will include a total
of 380 housing units, of which 82 will be affordable housing units, and approximately 21,000
square feet of neighborhood commercial space. The development also includes a structured
parking ramp with a total of 571 stalls, including 268 public park -and-ride stalls for the Green
Line Extension Beltline Boulevard Station with commercial space on the first floor adjacent to
the station.
In February 2024, the EDA approved a resolution of support for Sherman Associates’ application
to the Hennepin County transit-oriented communities grant program. The program focuses on
supporting the creation of walkable, mixed-use, human-centered neighborhoods around high-
quality transit service across Hennepin County. Sherman Associates applied to the program to
defray some of the public infrastructure and hard construction costs associated with the
Beltline Station redevelopment and the EDA was subsequently awarded $300,000 towards the
project. Grant funds will be used towards capital costs related to site preparation, utilities work
and other public infrastructure construction needed to prepare the site for the project.
Financial or budget considerations: This grant program does not require any financial match
from the EDA or city. Hennepin County will reimburse the EDA for up to $300,000 of eligible
costs and the EDA will then reimburse Sherman Associates those same costs.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Dean Porter-Nelson, redevelopment administrator
Reviewed by: Greg Hunt, economic development manager
Karen Barton, EDA executive director, community development director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 2
Title: Resolution approving grant agreement with Hennepin County related to Beltline Station redevelopment -
Ward 1
EDA Resolution No. 25-______
Approving a transit oriented communities program grant agreement with
Hennepin County
Be it resolved by the board of commissioners (the board) of the St. Louis Park Economic
Development Authority (the authority) as follows:
Section 1. Recitals; authorization.
(a) Hennepin County, Minnesota (the county) established the Southwest Light Rail
Transit Community Works project (SWCW) to provide an organizational structure and process
for coordinating light rail transit engineering, land use and other related planning activities to
support development of the corridor. The county has created their Hennepin County Housing
and Redevelopment Authority Transit Oriented Communities Program whereby applications
were accepted for consideration of funding from the county’s Bottineau and Southwest
Community Works program (the program). The county board of commissioners has awarded up
to $300,000 from the program to the authority (the grant) to support the acquisition of a
mixed-used development located at 4601 Highway 7, 4725 Highway 7, and 3130 Monterey
Drive and adjacent to the Metro Green Line Extension Beltline Boulevard Station, consisting of
380 housing units and 19,500 square feet of commercial space (the property), in the City of St.
Louis Park, Minnesota (the city).
(b) The county has prepared a program grant agreement (the grant agreement), by
and between the county and the authority, pursuant to which the county shall give the
authority the grant to finance a portion of the acquisition cost of the property.
(c) The board has reviewed the grant agreement and finds that the execution
thereof and performance of the authority’s obligations thereunder are in the best interest of
the city and its residents.
Section 2. Approval of documents.
(a) The board approves the grant agreement in substantially the form presented to
the board, together with any related documents necessary in connection therewith, including
without limitation all documents, exhibits, certifications, or consents, referenced in or attached
to the grant agreement (the documents).
(b) The board hereby authorizes the president and executive director, in their
discretion and at such time, if any, as they may deem appropriate, to execute the documents
on behalf of the authority, and to carry out, on behalf of the authority, the author ity’s
obligations thereunder when all conditions precedent thereto have been satisfied. The
documents shall be in substantially the form on file with the authority and the approval hereby
given to the documents includes approval of such additional details therein as may be
necessary and appropriate and such modifications thereof, deletions therefrom and additions
thereto as may be necessary and appropriate and approved by legal counsel to the authority
and by the officers authorized herein to execute said documents prior to their execution; and
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 3
Title: Resolution approving grant agreement with Hennepin County related to Beltline Station redevelopment -
Ward 1
said officers are hereby authorized to approve said changes on behalf of the authority. The
execution of any instrument by the appropriate officers of the authority herein authorized shall
be conclusive evidence of the approval of such document in accordan ce with the terms hereof.
This resolution shall not constitute an offer and the documents shall not be effective until the
date of execution thereof as provided herein.
(c) In the event of absence or disability of the officers, any of the documents
authorized by this resolution to be executed may be executed without further act or
authorization of the board by any duly designated acting official, or by such other officer or
officers of the board as, in the opinion of the city attorney, may act in their behalf. Upon
execution and delivery of the documents, the officers and employees of the board are hereby
authorized and directed to take or cause to be taken such actions a s may be necessary on
behalf of the board to implement the documents.
Section 3. Effective date. This resolution shall be effective upon approval.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the Economic Development
Authority June 16, 2025:
Karen Barton, executive director Sue Budd, president
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, secretary
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Presentation: 3a
Executive summary
Title: Retirement recognition for Brian Hoffman
Recommended action: Read resolution and present plaque to Brian for his years of service to
the City of St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: None.
Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20
years of service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city
council.
Brian will be in attendance for the presentation at the beginning of the meeting. The mayor is
asked to read the resolution attached to item 5a for Brian in recognition of his years of service
to the city.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Barb Lamfers, HR technician
Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
Reviewed by: Rita Vorpahl, HR director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Presentation: 3b
Executive summary
Title: Proclamation observing Juneteenth in 2025
Recommended action: Mayor to read proclamation observing Juneteenth in 2025.
Summary: Juneteenth is a federal holiday recognizing the day when enslaved people in Texas
were granted freedom from slavery under the Emancipation Proclamation, marking freedom
from chattel slavery across the country. Today, it is observed as a reminder of the horrific
legacy of slavery and an opportunity to recommit ourselves to fighting for human rights for all.
Financial or budget considerations: None
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity
and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
Supporting documents: Resource page
Proclamation
Prepared by: Jocelyn I Hernandez Guitron, racial equity and inclusion specialist
Reviewed by: BIPOC employee resource group
Pa Dao Yang, racial equity and inclusion director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Page 2 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 3b)
Title: Proclamation observing Juneteenth in 2025
Resource page
In recognition of Juneteenth, the City of St. Louis Park invites you to:
•Learn about the history of Juneteenth
o Juneteenth - Minnesota Humanities Center (mnhum.org)
Juneteenth – Minnesota Historical Society
o Juneteenth | National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu)
•Consider attending Juneteenth events
o Juneteenth Celebration – Discover St. Louis Park (discoverstlouispark.com)
▪Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wounded Healers Production
at St. Louis Park High School Auditorium
▪Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the Juneteenth Jam: Freedom,
Fun, and Festive Beats! at Lenox Community Center
▪Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Rollin’ @ the ROC: Roller
skating fun for the whole family
▪Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stories for Juneteenth with
Black Storytellers Alliance at St. Louis Park Library
o Juneteenth Minnesota - Minneapolis
o Juneteenth National Registry of celebrations
Page 3 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 3b)
Title: Proclamation observing Juneteenth in 2025
Proclamation
“Juneteenth 2025”
Whereas, Juneteenth has been observed by Black Americans as the day when word of
the Emancipation Proclamation granting freedom from slavery finally reached Galveston Bay,
Texas on June 19, 1865 - two years after it was written into law by President Abraham Lincoln
on January 1, 1863; and
Whereas, Juneteenth marks the beginning of freedom from chattel slavery, opening
possibilities for generations of Black people in the United States; and
Whereas, Recognition of Juneteenth as an observed city holiday in St. Louis Park is a
significant step in understanding the painful legacy of slavery which continues to have impacts
on our society to this day; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park’s inaugural Juneteenth was celebrated in 202 2 and
continues annually with the 2025 celebration being a Juneteenth Series inviting the public to
participate with Wounded Healers Production; Freedom, Fun, and Festive Beats!; Rollin’ @ the
ROC; Stories for Juneteenth with Black Storytellers Alliance; and
Whereas, Juneteenth is commemorated as “Freedom Day”, celebrating the countless
efforts made by abolitionists, both enslaved and free, in the fight for freedom from white
slaveowners; and
Whereas, Black Americans continue to make significant contributions to Minnesota’s
culture, economy, education, health, housing and government; and
Whereas, challenging anti-Black racism in our communities honors the legacy of
Juneteenth and contributes to our strategic priority of being a leader in racial equity and
inclusion in order to create a just community for all,
Now therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis
Park, Minnesota, hereby observe Juneteenth 2025 in our community.
Wherefore, I set my hand and cause the
Great Seal of the City of St. Louis Park to be
affixed this 16th day of June 2025.
_________________________________
Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Minutes: 4a
Unofficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
June 2, 2025
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: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd,
Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog
Council members absent: none
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), fire chief (Mr.
Hanlin), police chief (Mr. Kruelle), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy police chief (Mr. Nadem),
communication manager (Mr. Sandell), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-
Lerdal)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Presentations.
a. Oath of office ceremony for police officers
Mr. Kruelle introduced the seven officers who completed their first year of training in St. Louis
Park, and Ms. Kennedy administered the oath of office to: Officers Maxwell Dehn, Corey
Andress, Craig Wilking, Hailey Luhmann, Cameron Barukzoy, Nicolas Monaghan and Aaron
Gilley.
Mr. Kruelle stated the police force works intentionally to recruit officers who will represent the
community and its values. He commented on each officer and their backgrounds as he
introduced them to the community.
Mayor Mohamed congratulated all of the officers and welcomed them to St. Louis Park. She
also thanked family members for their support and stated the community is honored to have
them on the force.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 2
Title:City council meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
Council Member Farris added her support and welcomed the officers to St. Louis Park, noting it
is the best police department in Minnesota. She stated she is proud of all of them.
Council Member Baudhuin congratulated the officers and stated he has gained a greater
understanding of police work since joining the city council. He welcomed the officers and stated
the city is blessed to have them, adding the police force in St. Louis Park is one of the finest.
Council Member Rog welcomed the officers and added she is so proud of the St. Louis Park
police department. She said she feels safe and told the officers to also stay safe while on the
job.
Council Member Dumalag also congratulated the officers who participated in the Pathways to
Policing program. She thanked the officers for choosing St. Louis Park and thanked the officers'
families as well.
Council Member Brausen added his thanks and welcomed the officers. He thanked the families
for their support, noting that peacekeeping is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. He
stated the officers and their families are in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.
Council Member Budd welcomed the officers and stated the city is glad to have them all serving
in St. Louis Park.
b. Oath of office ceremony for canine police officer
Mr. Kruelle noted that Canine Officer Rolo joined the police force in February 2025 and is a
German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix. Born in Slovakia, Rolo is partnered with Officer
Joseph LeFevere. Canine Officer Rolo graduated from a 12-week training academy where he
passed tests in obedience, tracking, explosive detection and apprehension. Canine Officer
Rolo’s primary role in the department will be assisting with searches, tracking and explosives
detection, and he will be joining Canine Officer Maverick. Officer Rolo, along with Officer
LeFevere, will then train and recertify annually to ensure top performance and accountability.
Mayor Mohamed administered the oath of office to Canine Officer Rolo.
Council Member Brausen thanked Officer LeFevere for his commitment to the police force and
his work in training Rolo; commending them on becoming a team.
Council Member Baudhuin stated there are concerns with canine officers in some communities
due to historical cases of racial trauma, but noted that canine officers are used well in St. Louis
Park because police work is performed so well here. He stated he has confidence in both canine
officers and their partners.
c. Proclamation observing Pride Month
Mayor Mohamed read the proclamation regarding Pride Month, which is observed annually in
June to recognize the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+) community
and their history, contributions and achievements.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 3
Title:City council meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
Mayor Mohamed stated Pride Month provides an opportunity to advance and deepen the
community’s commitment to fighting against discrimination and injustice everywhere.
Mayor Mohamed stated that the city affirms Pride month and has a commitment to fighting
against discrimination and injustice, which says a great deal about the city as a whole and its
commitment to protecting these groups from harm. She stated this is an important statement
in light of current federal efforts to ban or erase the LGBTQ+ community.
Council Member Baudhuin added that as a pastor, city council member and a parent of a trans
adult, this proclamation is meaningful to a core part of his life. He stated it has been a difficult
six months and that this proclamation matters. He acknowledged there is still work to do, and
noted he is proud of the city, school system and the religious culture in St. Louis Park, where his
children felt safe. He added the city will continue to fight for what is right and good.
4. Minutes.
a. Minutes of April 28, 2025, study session
b. Minutes of May 5, 2025, special study session
c. Minutes of May 19, 2025, city council meeting
d. Minutes of May 19, 2025, special study session
It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the
April 28, 2025, study session minutes, May 5, 2025, special study session minutes, May 19,
2025, city council meeting minutes, and May 19, 2025, special study session meeting minutes as
presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Consent items.
a. Approve city disbursements
b. Resolution No. 25-061 recognizing the retirement of Maintenance Technician Joseph
Wellentin
c. Approve boards and commissions appointments
d. Approve temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license - The Slavic Experience
e. Approve bid for 2025 and 2026 Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Reconstruction
Project (4024-1100) - Ward 4
Mayor Mohamed noted that written comments regarding item 5e are to be made part of the
public record:
• Sylvie Hyman, 9200 West 28th Street, provided comment that the lanes on Louisiana
Avenue need to be narrowed to meet Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
guidance.
• Jason Felds provided comment that the proposed width for Louisiana Avenue does not
meet FHWA guidelines. To make it safe for all, Louisiana Avenue needs to be narrowed.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 4
Title:City council meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
• Eric Judge provided comment that he is supportive of maintaining road widths to avoid
issues of congestion, gentrification (bike/walk agenda), public access and future
community growth.
• Melissa Bernstein, Minneapolis, provided comment that the proposed Louisiana Avenue
lane widths will encourage speeding and increase reliance on car dependency. She
noted the proposed lane widths are in violation of FWHA guidance.
Council Member Budd asked to comment on consent item 5c related to boards and commission
appointments. She stated all council members have been part of this process. She recognized
all the fantastic candidates, noting that it was difficult to select who to appoint to each board
and commission. Their work is greatly appreciated and she thanked all for their interest in
serving.
Council Member Rog agreed and stated that she hoped those not selected this year will apply
again in the future for open positions on boards and commissions.
Council Member Rog noted that item 5e relates to a bid for phase two of the Cedar Lake Road
and Louisiana Avenue improvements project. She stated the final plans for phase two were
approved unanimously by the council earlier this year. At that vote, concerns were expressed
by some residents regarding the proposed new width for Louisiana Avenue. She clarified that
the lane width is 28 feet, which is a reduction of eight feet from the current with of 36 feet.
Council Member Rog stated residents wanted the width to be further reduced by 10 to 12 feet,
citing FHWA guidance. She noted that some residents suggested that the city’s engineering
staff may be trying to deceive the council, or that city staff do not understand the rationale for
the design that has been approved.
Council Member Rog stated that the city council and city staff understand the design that has
been approved and the rationale behind it. She added the council also understands the lane-
width decisions are not one-size-fits-all and that the word guidance means just that – guidance.
She stated that professional engineering staff carefully considered the surrounding context and
made their recommendations because this stretch of Louisiana Avenue is the sole access for
Fire Station #2. She stated it is imperative that the 10-foot-wide fire trucks can maneuver safely
around vehicles that pull over to let them pass, including buses and service vehicles. She noted
this is especially a concern in winter conditions, when the roadway can be narrowed further by
snow and ice.
Council Member Rog stated the project also includes the addition of a new sidewalk on the east
side where no dedicated pedestrian space currently exists, as well as new enhanced pedestrian
crossings with user-activated flashers. The plan calls for preservation of almost all the mature
trees along this stretch, with a designated alternative bike route to allow for this preservation
of trees.
Council Member Rog stated, for the record, staff did an excellent job weighing all factors here
and produced a plan that meets the needs of pedestrians, emergency access vehicles,
snowplows, buses and the 16,500 vehicles that travel on this stretch of roadway every day.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 5
Title:City council meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
Council Member Rog added that the council received several emails on this topic today, some
of which suggested it is the council’s role to demand that engineering staff modify this project
and that by following staff’s professional guidance, the council is not doing its job. She stated
on the contrary, the council’s job is to listen to constituents as well as to the professional staff's
advice, and to ask staff the hard questions that constituents ask the council, and then to put it
all together and reach a decision. She added it is not always easy, but this is what council
members are elected to do.
Council Member Baudhuin referenced item 5d, the temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor
license for The Slavic Experience. He stated this sounds like a great event that people should
learn about, noting the purpose and mission of The Slavic Experience is to create a welcoming
space for people of Slavic heritage to commemorate, celebrate and share their richness and
diversity of Eastern European traditions and customs within the greater Twin Cities community.
He stated this event is scheduled to take place at the Recreation Outdoor Center in St. Louis
Park on Aug. 2 and 3, 2025. Council Member Baudhuin summarized that he wanted to name
this community within St. Louis Park and highlight a great event.
Council Member Brausen added his comments regarding the consent agenda and stated he
approves of the regular city disbursements that are non-contractual. He stated his thanks to
maintenance technician Joseph Wellington for his 26 years of service, ten (10) of which were at
Hamilton House, the city’s affordable housing complex in Ward 4.
Council Member Brausen agreed with Council Member Baudhuin about The Slavic Experience,
stating the event sounds like fun. He noted the council interviewed 38 people during the boards
and commissions interview process and had to make some very difficult decisions. He thanked
all those willing to serve the community and encouraged those not appointed to continue to
look for opportunities to serve the community, as the city is a better place for their efforts.
Council Member Brausen stated that the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue reconstruction
project in Ward 4 has been in the planning stages for a decade, and noted this action approves
awarding the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
Council Member Brausen added council approved the plans through a lengthy process that
included substantial public engagement. He acknowledged not everyone’s wants and desires
can be satisfied. He stated compromises and choices are made, and the council does the best it
can to accommodate vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Council Member Brausen stated along with public engagement, the council and staff worked
hard to incorporate as many good suggestions as possible. The project plans have been
approved and this consent item agrees to sign the contract with the lowest responsible bidder.
He stated many are expecting to see the project begin this summer.
Council Member Rog stated as a person of Polish heritage, she was asked to speak at The Slavic
Experience last year and it was extremely fun, adding it is a unique festival. She encouraged all
to attend.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4a) Page 6
Title:City council meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Rog, to approve the
consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
6. Public hearings – none.
7. Regular business – none.
8. Communications and announcements.
Council Member Farris noted that on June 12, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Ainsworth Park, there
will be an event called “Basketball in the Park”. This event involves the St. Louis Park Police,
Hennepin County Sheriffs and Missions, Inc. She encouraged all to attend and get to know your
neighbors and added that treats will be served.
Council Member Baudhuin congratulated the 2025 graduating classes from St. Louis Park and
Benilde St. Margaret High Schools.
Ms. Walsh announced that the Aquatic Park opens on June 4, 2025.
Council Member Rog stated the Birchwood Neighborhood will host Food Truck Night on June
10, 2025, and all are welcome to attend at Birchwood Park.
Mayor Mohamed noted the Thai Sunday Market at the Wat Promwachirayan temple begins
June 8, 2025.
9. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Minutes: 4b
Unofficial minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
June 2, 2025
The meeting convened at 7:00 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: Deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh)
Discussion items.
1. Proposed study session topic: council salaries
Mayor Mohamed introduced the proposed topic of discussion: increasing city council member
salaries. She stated the job of council member is difficult and rate of pay can be a barrier to
some who might otherwise be interested in running for council. It may be easier for retirees or
those who are financially well-off to perform the job of council member, as they may not need
to rely on the salary currently provided. For others to serve as a council member and give the
work the time it deserves, an increase in the current salary may be needed.
Council Member Rog added that people will be able to do this job better with better
compensation, allowing for more flexibility to attend to childcare needs. She also noted that
council members sometimes need to take time off work for meetings and events, or may even
need to consider a salary reduction at their primary job. She stated more financial resources
will open up access for more people to serve as council members.
Council Member Baudhuin added he would also like to discuss the topic of salary for council
members, especially as it relates to equity, and noted this role was historically designed around
certain privileges. In a community as diverse as St. Louis Park, the council needs to review the
salary in order to obtain a true representation of the city in its membership.
Council Member Dumalag added she also has questions related to council member salaries and
would like a discussion on this.
Council Member Brausen noted he would also like to review information from comparable
cities regarding how many times city councils meet, as well as events attended by council
members. During the economic recession in 2008, the city council adopted a decrease in pay
and then discussed salaries again in 2015. The council then received an increase at the same
percentage as the unions at that time, adding that this policy has remained in place since 2015.
Council Member Farris stated she would like to discuss the proposed topic as well.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 4b) Page 2
Title: Special study session meeting minutes of June 2, 2025
It was the consensus of the city council to have a discussion on city council salaries at a future
study session.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5a
Executive summary
Title: Resolution recognizing retirement of Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
Recommended action: Read resolution and present plaque to Brian for his 26 years of service to the
City of St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: None.
Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20 years of
service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city council.
Financial or budget considerations: None applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Barb Lamfers, HR technician
Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
Reviewed by: Rita Vorpahl, HR director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5a) Page 2
Title: Resolution recognizing retirement of Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
Resolution No. 25 - ___
Recognizing the contributions of and expressing appreciation to
Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
Whereas, Brian Hoffman began his employment with the City of St. Louis Park on October 19,
1998, and served over 26 years as the building and energy director ; and
Whereas, Brian was a steady presence on the leadership team who was always willing to offer
historical context and a yogi-like calm; and
Whereas, Brian was always a team player focused on the common good; and
Whereas, Brian was a go-to resource for the State of Minnesota and the League of Minnesota
Cities regarding legislative issues concerning building and permitting; and
Whereas, Brian successfully led his department through a myriad of legal iterations over the
years, including health inspections, taxi licensing and facility improvements and at the same time,
developed a robust building and housing inspection program; and
Whereas, Brian championed sustainability through the creation of the sustainability division,
which support the city's strategic priority relating to environment and sustainability; and
Whereas, Brian excelled at working with residents to address concerns and always maintained
a calm demeanor while focusing on the end-goal of solving problems; and
Whereas, Brian was the last person we know who carried a flip phone; and
Whereas, Brian is looking forward to spending his retirement years at his cabin with his family
and watching his grandson grow,
Now therefore be it resolved that the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, by
this resolution and public record, would like to thank building and energy director, Brian Hoffman, for
his great contributions and over 26 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish him
the best in his retirement.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5b
Executive summary
Title: Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
Recommended action: Motion to adopt resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial
transfers to/out other fund transfers.
Policy consideration: Does city council approve the 2024 calendar year-end interfund
permanent transfers?
Summary: Annually, a governing body must give authority to make permanent interfund
transfers between city funds. The city’s annual audit for Dec. 31, 2024 annual comprehensive
financial report (ACFR) is concluding with a required submission date to the government
finance officer’s association (GFOA) and office of the state auditor (OSA) on June 30, 2024.
Below are the interfund permanent transfers included in this resolution.
Financial or budget considerations: This resolution affects the 2024 financial statements and all
future budgeted years.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion, Resolution, Exhibit A
Prepared by: Joe Olson, deputy finance director
Reviewed by: Amelia Cruver, finance director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Page 2 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5b)
Title: Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
Discussion
Background: Annually, a governing body must give authority to make permanent interfund
transfers between city funds. The city’s annual audit for Dec. 31, 2024 annual comprehensive
financial report (ACFR) is concluding with a required submission date to the government
finance officer’s association (GFOA) and office of the state auditor (OSA) on June 30, 2024.
Below is a detailed listed of all transfers included in the resolution. A table is included as well in
Exhibit A of the attached resolution.
•General fund transfers in $10,067.22 out from the housing rehabilitation fund to
support overhead expenses
•General fund transfers in $35,647.22 out from the EDA development fund to
support overhead expenses
•General fund transfers in $4,028,713.89 out from the city’s COVID fund related to
2024 ARPA expenditures and transferring interest earned from the COVID fund to
the General fund. Transfer will zero out the COVID fund
•General fund transfers in $2,435,424.41 out from the city’s enterprise funds,
$763,937.32 water fund, $261,741.54 solid waste fund, $383,564.79 storm water
fund, and $1,026,180.76 sewer for general overhead services
•Housing rehabilitation fund transfers in $718,564.00 out from the affordable
housing trust fund
•Development EDA transfers in $68,653.59 out from Redevelopment District
(Highway 7 Business TIF district sub-fund)
•Debt Service (Bridgewalk HIA debt service sub-fund) transfers in $287,402.50 out
from housing rehabilitation fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Debt Service (2019C taxable GO HIA refunding debt service sub-fund) transfers in
$292,535.00 out from housing rehabilitation fund to cover debt service
expenditures
•Debt Service (2012A taxable GO HIA debt service sub-fund) transfers in $90,008.44
out from housing rehabilitation fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Debt Service (2008B general obligation tax increment debt service sub-fund)
transfers in $583,681.26 out from Redevelopment District (Duke West End TIF sub-
fund) to cover debt service expenditures
•Capital (West 36th St / Woodale rehab street capital sub-fund) transfers in
$1,626,066.60 from Redevelopment District (Elmwood Village TIF district sub-fund)
related to capital expenditures
•Internal Service Fund (Municipal buildings & Infrastructure fund) transfers in
$850,000 out from the General fund to support Capital Improvement Plan Spending
•Internal Service Fund (Employee Benefits fund) transfers in $365,530.85 out from
the city’s general fund related to personal expenditures
•Internal Service Fund (Vehicle & Equipment) transfers in $616,536.18 out from the
General fund to fund capital improvement plan spending
•Internal Service Fund (Technology) transfers in $701,347.00 out from the General
fund to fund capital improvement plan spending
•Special Service District (SSD #1 sub-fund) transfers in $28,700.00 from the General
fund
Page 3 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5b)
Title: Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
•Affordable housing trust fund transfers in $2,212,131.00 from following
Redevelopment Districts related to allowable transfers out of TIF to AHTF in 2024,
$475,000 4900 Excelsior TIF District, $600,000 CSM TIF District, $630,000 Mill City
TIF District, $275,000.00 from Wolfe Lake TIF District, $232,131.00 Aquila Commons
TIF District
•Transfer between Debt Service sub-funds: 2010C general obligation refunding debt
service fund transfers in $5,345.03 out from general obligation bond reserve debt
service fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Transfer between Capital sub-funds: capital sub-fund restructuring occurred in 2024 to
align sub-fund with funding source to allow better tracking of revenue and
expenditures. Transfer in $667,185.61 in the Sidewalk Capital sub-fund from the
following $583,522.88 MSA sub-fund (f.ka. 2023 MSA sub-fund), $6,704 Franchise Fees
sub-fund (f.k.a Pavement Management), $76,958.38 2024A GO Capital sub-fund.
Transfer in $282,275.47 in the Street Capital sub-fund from the Sidewalk sub-fund.
Transfer in $2,052,980.00 in the Street Capital sub-fund from the Franchise Fees sub-
fund. Transfer in the 2024 MSA fund in the amount of $187,169.36 from the MSA Fund.
Capital sub-fund transfers will result in the closing of the Sidewalk sub-fund for better
sub-funds that align with the capital funding. Also, 2024 MSA sub-fund is combining with
2023 MSA sub-fund to create the MSA sub-fund.
Next steps: Approval of resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out
other funds. In the fall, a similar resolution will come before the city council for the 2026
budget, reflecting the transfers included in the budget but in this new, more transparent
format. In December, the 2026 budget resolution will include a transfer table as a part of
budget adoption.
Page 4 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5b)
Title: Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
Resolution No. 25 -__
Approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
Whereas, the city approved the following permanent interfund transfers for
calendar year 2024 as shown in Exhibit A;
•General fund transfers in $10,067.22 out from the housing rehabilitation fund
•General fund transfers in $35,647.22 out from the EDA development fund
•General fund transfers in $4,028,713.89 out from the city’s COVID fund related to
2024 ARPA expenditures and transferring interest earned from the COVID fund to
the General fund. Transfer will zero out the COVID fund
•General fund transfers in $2,435,424.41 out from the city’s enterprise funds,
$763,937.32 water fund, $261,741.54 solid waste fund, $383,564.79 storm water
fund, and $1,026,180.76 sewer for general overhead services
•Housing rehabilitation fund transfers in $718,564.00 out from the affordable
housing trust fund
•Development EDA transfers in $68,653.59 out from Redevelopment District
(Highway 7 Business TIF district sub-fund)
•Debt Service (Bridgewalk HIA debt service sub-fund) transfers in $287,402.50 out
from housing rehabilitation fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Debt Service (2019C taxable GO HIA refunding debt service sub-fund) transfers in
$292,535.00 out from housing rehabilitation fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Debt Service (2012A taxable GO HIA debt service sub-fund) transfers in $90,008.44
out from housing rehabilitation fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Debt Service (2008B general obligation tax increment debt service sub-fund)
transfers in $583,681.26 out from Redevelopment District (Duke West End TIF sub-
fund) to cover debt service expenditures
•Capital (West 36th St / Woodale rehab street capital sub-fund) transfers in
$1,626,066.60 from Redevelopment District (Elmwood Village TIF district sub-fund)
related to capital expenditures
•Internal Service Fund (Municipal buildings & Infrastructure fund) transfers in
$850,000 out from the General fund
•Internal Service Fund (Employee Benefits fund) transfers in $365,530.85 out from
the city’s general fund related to personal expenditures
•Internal Service Fund (Vehicle & Equipment) transfers in $616,536.18 out from the
General fund
•Internal Service Fund (Technology) transfers in $701,347.00 out from the General
fund
•Special Service District (SSD #1 sub-fund) transfers in $28,700.00 from the General
fund
•Affordable housing trust fund transfers in $2,212,131.00 from following
Redevelopment Districts related to allowable transfers out of TIF to AHTF in 2024,
$475,000 4900 Excelsior TIF District, $600,000 CSM TIF District, $630,000 Mill City
TIF District, $275,000.00 from Wolfe Lake TIF District, $232,131.00 Aquila Commons
TIF District
Page 5 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5b)
Title: Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
•Transfer between Debt Service sub-funds: 2010C general obligation refunding debt
service fund transfers in $5,345.03 out from general obligation bond reserve debt
service fund to cover debt service expenditures
•Transfer between Capital sub-funds: capital sub-fund restructuring occurred in 2024
to align sub-fund with funding source to allow better tracking of revenue and
expenditures. Transfer in $667,185.61 in the Sidewalk Capital sub-fund from the
following $583,522.88 MSA sub-fund (f.ka. 2023 MSA sub-fund), $6,704 Franchise
Fees sub-fund (f.k.a Pavement Management), $76,958.38 2024A GO Capital sub-
fund. Transfer in $282,275.47 in the Street Capital sub-fund from the Sidewalk sub-
fund. Transfer in $2,052,980.00 in the Street Capital sub-fund from the Franchise
Fees sub-fund. Transfer in the 2024 MSA fund in the amount of $187,169.36 from
the MSA Fund. Capital sub-fund transfers will result in the closing of the Sidewalk
sub-fund for better sub-funds that align with the capital funding. Also, 2024 MSA
sub-fund is combining with 2023 MSA sub-fund to create the MSA sub-fund.
Now therefore be it resolved by the City of St. Louis Park City Council that the 2024
calendar year financial transfers in/out be approved for the completion of the city’s annual
audit and annual comprehensive financial report for December 31, 2024.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Fund
General Housing
Rehabilitation
EDA ‐
Development Debt Service Capital
Internal
Service Funds ‐
Municipal
Buildings &
Infrastructure
Internal
Service Funds ‐
Health Benefit
Internal Service
Funds ‐ Vehicle &
Equipment
Internal Service
Funds ‐ Technology
Nonmajor
Governmental ‐
Special Service
District 1
Nonmajor
Governmental ‐
AHTF
Totals
Transfers out:
General ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 850,000 365,531 616,536 701,347 28,700 ‐ 2,562,114
Housing Rehabilitation 10,067 ‐ ‐ 669,946 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 680,013
Redevelopment District ‐ ‐ 68,654 583,681 1,626,067 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 2,212,131 4,490,532
EDA ‐ Development 35,647 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 35,647
COVID Fund 4,028,714 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 4,028,714
Nonmajor Governmental ‐ AHT ‐ 718,564 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 718,564
Water 763,937 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 763,937
Sewer 1,026,181 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,026,181
Storm Water 383,565 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 383,565
Solid Waste 261,742 ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 261,742
Total transfers in 6,509,853 718,564 68,654 1,253,627 1,626,067 850,000 365,531 616,536 701,347 28,700 2,212,131 14,951,009
Transfer Out Between Sub‐Funds:
Capital 3,189,610 3,189,610
Debt Service 5,345 5,345
Total (In/Out)18,145,965
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
Final 2024 Calendar Year Transfers
December 31st, 2024
Transfers in
Generally, transfers are used to (1) move revenues from the fund that collects them to the fund that the budget requires to expend them, (2) move receipts restricted to debt service from the funds collecting the receipts to a debt service
fund in accordance with bond documents, (3) move funds in accordance with the City’s adopted capital improvement plan to support project costs, and (4) use unrestricted revenues collected in the General Fund to finance various
programs accounted for in other funds in accordance with City policy.
Page 6City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5b)
Title: Resolution approving 2024 calendar year financial transfers to/out other funds
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5c
Executive summary
Title: Approve amendment to temporary premises extension - Ullsperger Brewing, LLC
Recommended action: Motion to approve amendment to the temporary extension of the
licensed premises for one-day events at Ullsperger Brewing, located at 2314 Louisiana Ave . S.
Policy consideration: Does the applicant meet the requirements for an amendment to the
temporary extension of their licensed premises for a special one-day event?
Summary: On March 3, 2025, the city council approved a temporary extension of the licensed
premises for Ullsperger Brewing, located at 2314 Louisiana Ave. S., for a series of ten (10)
special one-day events. The dates approved included July 19, 2025. On May 21, 2025,
Ullsperger Brewing contacted city staff to request a change of special event dates from July 19,
2025 to July 12, 2025.
St. Louis Park City Code Section 3-106 states that “proposed enlargement or substantial
alteration which changes the character of the licensed establishment or extension of a premise
previously licensed shall not be allowed unless the city council approves an amendment to the
liquor license”. As approved, the temporary extension of the licensed premises is valid only for
the dates and times outlined in the request. Ullsperger Brewing’s request to change dates from
July 19 to July 12, 2025, requires approval by the city council.
Regarding the change to July 12, 2025, staff reviewed the request and found no concerns with
the proposed plans, including the police and fire departments, who will ensure safety
precautions are followed on the day of the events. As with the other events i n the series, the
two neighboring businesses adjacent to the event will be closed during the proposed times.
Ullsperger Brewing has also obtained permission from the landlord and the other businesses at
the Westwood Shopping Center.
Additional details about the event can be found in the staff report and attachments from the
city council meeting on March 3, 2025.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: None.
Prepared by: Amanda Scott-Lerdal, deputy city clerk
Reviewed by: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5d
Executive summary
Title: Approve temporary seasonal premises amendment for Haggard Barrel Brewing Company,
LLC
Recommended action: Motion to approve amendment to the licensed premises for Haggard
Barrel Brewing Company, LLC dba Haggard Barrel, located at 6413 Cambridge Street.
Policy consideration: Does the applicant meet the requirements to amend the licensed
premises for the sale and service of alcohol at Haggard Barrel?
Summary: Haggard Barrel Brewing Company LLC dba Haggard Barrel currently holds an on-sale
brewer’s taproom liquor license as well as an off-sale brewer’s liquor license. The license holder
applied for an amendment to the existing licensed premises located at 6413 Cambridge Street.
The proposed amendment will add approximately 400 square feet of seasonal-use outdoor
space and will provide seating for an additional eight (8) guests. A permit for the seasonal-use
outdoor space has been approved by the city after review by zoning and building staff. If
approved by the council, the proposed amendment to the licensed premises for the sale and
service of alcohol will be valid for the duration of the patio permit. If the license holder wants
to utilize the seasonal-use outdoor space in future years they will need to go through the
permitting and premises amendment processes.
St. Louis Park City Code Section 3-68 (a) states “each license shall be issued only for the exact
rooms and square footage described in the application. A license is valid only in the compact
and contiguous building or structure situated on the premises described in the license”.
St. Louis Park City Code Section 3-106 states that “proposed enlargement or substantial
alteration which changes the character of the licensed establishment or extension of a premises
previously licensed shall not be allowed unless the city council approves an amendment to the
liquor license”.
All zoning and building requirements have been met and additional SAC charges have been paid
to the Met Council. The applicant has provided proof of liquor liability insurance to cover the
additional temporary outdoor space. Staff recommends approval of the proposed premises
amendment.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Map of proposed licensed premises
Prepared by: Amanda Scott-Lerdal, deputy city clerk
Reviewed by: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
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City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5d)
Title: Approve temporary seasonal premises amendment for Haggard Barrel Brewing Company, LLC Page 2
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5e
Executive summary
Title: Approve temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license - Church of the Holy Family
Recommended action: Motion to approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for
the Church of the Holy Family at 5900 West Lake Street on Sept. 6, 2025.
Policy consideration: Does the applicant meet the requirements for issuance of a temporary
on-sale intoxicating liquor license?
Summary: The Church of the Holy Family applied for a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor
license for a fundraising event taking place on Sept. 6, 2025. The fundraiser will be held in the
fenced area behind Holy Family Academy at 5900 West Lake Street and liquor will be served
between noon (12:00 p.m.) and 11:00 p.m.
The police department completed a background investigation and found no reason to deny the
temporary license. The applicant meets all requirements for the issuance of the license and
staff recommends approval.
Financial or budget considerations: The fee for a temporary liquor license is $100 per day of
the event.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: None.
Prepared by: Amanda Scott-Lerdal, deputy city clerk
Reviewed by: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5f
Executive summary
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street – Ward 2
Recommended action: Motion to adopt resolution ordering the abatement of hazardous
building located at 7436 North St., St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 55426.
Policy consideration: Does the city council concur with staff’s recommendation to declare the
fire-damaged property as a hazardous building and authorize the start of the abatement
process to protect public health and safety?
Summary: The single-family residence located at 7436 North St. suffered a catastrophic fire
resulting in extensive fire, smoke and water damage throughout the entire structure. Tragically,
the homeowner did not survive the event. The home is currently without a roof and fully
exposed to the elements. The ongoing exposure has led to complaints from neighboring
residents. With rising temperatures, the condition of the structure and burned odor is expected
to deteriorate further, potentially becoming a greater public health and safety concern.
Chief Building Official David Skallet has posted the structure as unsafe. City staff has contacted
the deceased homeowner’s brother, who is working through the probate process in order to be
appointed as the legal trustee of the estate. This legal process may take several months to
complete, during which time the structure will continue to degrade and pose potential risks to
the surrounding community.
Financial or budget considerations: If the court approves the summary of enforcement, the city
will hire a contractor to abate the conditions to bring the property into compliance. Expected
costs are estimated to be $25,000-$30,000 if demolition by the city is required. This would be a
temporary expenditure funded by through the Public Improvement Revolving fund until costs
were recovered. The city would ask the courts for recovery of expenses through the use of
property tax assessments.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion, Resolution, Exhibits A, B and C
Prepared by: David Skallet, chief building official
Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, director of building and energy
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Page 2 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street – Ward 2
Discussion
Background:
In February 2025, there was a house fire in the property located at 7436 North St. Tragically,
the owner and occupant of the property passed away in the incident. The property was
severely damaged by the fire. The roof was largely destroyed, leaving the structure open to the
elements. Windows, doors, and walls were also damaged or destroyed. The contents of the
home were almost entirely destroyed, and the internal structure was seriously damaged.
Beams were exposed and partially or fully burned through, furniture and shelving collapsed,
and the entire property suffered severe smoke exposure and damage.
Shortly after the fire, city staff put up plywood across the door and destroyed windows to
attempt to secure the property against unauthorized entry. Since the fire in February 2025,
there have been no major repairs or remediations to the property, and no action has been
taken to reinforce the structure against collapse or to secure the structure against water or pest
intrusion. City staff has been in contact with the deceased’s brother, who has indicated that he
is planning to handle the long-term probate process for the property and plans to sell the
property to a third party who would be responsible for demolition or remediation. However, no
action has yet been taken to remove the hazardous conditions, and to the city’s knowledge the
brother has not yet initiated a probate action or been appointed as personal representative for
the deceased.
Present considerations:
Minnesota law permits the city council to order the repair and abatement of hazardous
conditions that exist within its city limits. Hazardous conditions include health, safety and fire
hazards that exist because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, physical damage,
unsanitary condition or abandonment. Minnesota Statute § 463.15, subd. 3 states, “A condition
is a hazard if it affects public safety or health.” City staff believe the property at 7436 North is
hazardous within the definition of Minnesota Statute § 463.15.
If the city council determines that the subject property contains hazardous conditions, it may
pass the resolution and direct the city attorney to sign and serve the attached order.
Subsequently, the order for repair and removal of hazardous conditions will be served upon the
owners and any lienholders of the property. Since the owner is deceased and does not yet have
an appointed personal representative, this will be done through posting the order on the
subject property, a mailing to all known people/institutions with an interest in the property,
and publishing it in the city’s legal newspaper for four consecutive weeks.
Next steps:
The owner/estate will then have 30 days to remedy the hazardous conditions. If they fail to
comply within that time period, we will seek permission from the district court to allow the city
to abate the hazardous conditions. The city can seek court approval to assess the costs of the
abatement against the property. If the hazardous conditions are not removed by the time the
city obtains court permission to allow city abatement, the city can also assess its attorney fees
against the property.
Page 3 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street – Ward 2
Resolution No. 25-__
Ordering Repair or Removal of Hazardous Conditions
Whereas, the city staff of the City of St. Louis Park have attempted without success to have
the property owner remedy the hazardous and unsafe conditions of the property at 7436 North
Street, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426, with a legal description of: Lots 43 and 44, Block 143,
"Rearrangement of St. Louis Park", Together with the Southeasterly 1/2 of vacated alley
adjoining said Lots, Hennepin County, Minnesota, and a Parcel Identification Number (PID) of:
20-117-21-21-0051 (“Subject Property”); and
Whereas, the St. Louis Park City Council has determined that the building on the property
constitutes a hazardous property due to inadequate maintenance that constitutes a hazard to
public safety or health within the meaning of Minn. Stat. § 463.15, subd. 3; and
Whereas, the city council has fully considered all evidence relating to the safety hazards at
the subject property. Said evidence is attached hereto as exhibits. The exhibits include the
following documents:
a.Exhibit A: Ownership and Encumbrance report for subject property showing that
Mark G. Ralke owns the subject property, and there is an active mortgage on the
subject property.
b.Exhibits C-1 to C-10: Photographs of the subject property documenting fire
damage.
Now therefore, the city council of the city of St. Louis Park, Minnesota makes the following:
Findings
1.The above recitals are incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
2.Mark G. Ralke currently owns the subject property in fee title. Mortgage
Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation currently is
the lienholder of record with a mortgage on the subject property.
3.The subject property contains a residential home.
4.The Minnesota State Building Code requires that all structures, and all parts of
structures, “shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.” Minn. R. 1300.0225; see also St.
Louis Park City Code § 6-66(a) (adopting the Minnesota state building code). “All devices or
safeguards required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code editions under
which the devices or safeguards are installed.” Minn. R. 1300.0225.
5.The subject property sustained extensive physical damage due to a fire on February
25, 2025. The fire destroyed a significant portion of the home, including most of the roof,
compromising the structural integrity and safety of the building. Most of the home interior is now
exposed to the elements due to the roof damage and unfit for habitation. Damaged windows and
Page 4 City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street – Ward 2
entryways have been secured with plywood, but no additional measures have been taken to
prevent unauthorized entry into the structure posing a risk of injury. Based on the extent of fire
damage, repair or restoration of the home to allow for safe habitation appears unlikely, potentially
requiring demolition.
6.No repairs, remediation or demolition has been completed to the Subject Property
since the fire on February 25, 2025. No building permits have issued to the Subject Property.
Conditions have continued to deteriorate in the intervening time.
Decision
Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of St. Louis Park, Minnesota,
based upon the information received and the above findings, the following:
1.The subject property contains violations of city code and the Minnesota Building Code.
2.The subject property, which is located in St. Louis Park, Hennepin County, constitutes a
health and safety hazard within the meaning of Minnesota Chapter 463. Specifically,
the subject property contains conditions, fire damage, structural decay, a lack of
security against pest or weather intrusion, a lack of security against unauthorized
access, and a lack of maintenance that constitute a hazard to public safety or health.
Minn. Stat. § 463.15, subd. 3.
3.Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 463.16 et seq., the city hereby adopts and approves
the Order for Repair and Removal of Hazardous Conditions attached hereto as Exhibit
C.
4.The city’s legal counsel, Campbell Knutson, P.A., 860 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 290,
Eagan, Minnesota 55121, is directed to serve the Order for Repair and Removal of
Hazardous Conditions and to proceed with enforcement in accordance with Minn. Stat.
§ 463.15 et seq.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Date:
Number:
Class/DescriptionFile Number AmountClient's File #Transactee Memo
06/04/2025
Land Title, Inc.
2200 County Road C West
Suite 2205
Roseville, MN 55113
651.638.1900
Campbell Knutson
860 Blue Gentian Road Suite 290
Eagan, MN 55121
120024
Invoice
7436 North Street, Saint Louis Park, MN
55426
Ralke, Mark Property Report $90.00714850
Total $90.00
$90.00Total Due
When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us to use
information from the check to make a one-time electronic fund
transfer from your account. In certain circumstances, such as for
technical or processing reasons, we may process your payment as a
check transaction.
Due Upon Receipt
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street - Ward 2 Page 5
LT File Number: 714850 Page 1 of 2
LT File Number: 714850
Report prepared on: June 4, 2025
Prepared for:
Campbell Knutson
860 Blue Gentian Road Suite 290
Eagan, MN 55121
Attn: Stuart Teigen
Client File No.:
PROPERTY REPORT
Applicant:Mark G. Ralke
Property Address:7436 North Street, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426
County:Hennepin State:Minnesota
Property Type:Abstract Property
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
Lots 43 and 44, Block 143, "Rearrangement of St. Louis Park", Together with the Southeasterly 1/2 of vacated alley
adjoining said Lots, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
APPARENT RECORD OWNER:
Mark G. Ralke
WARRANTY DEED: Sambath Sou, single to Mark G. Ralke ; DOCUMENT NO.: 7081209; DATED: January 29, 1999;
FILED: March 19, 1999.
OPEN MORTGAGES AND LIENS:
1. MORTGAGE: Mark G. Ralke, an unmarried person , to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as
nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, a New Jersey corporation; Document No.: A09914751; Dated:
January 25, 2013; Filed: February 16, 2013; Amount: $57,493.00.
TAX INFORMATION:
Tax I.D. No.: 20-117-21-21-0051
Taxes for the year 2025: $3,173.56, Total, are 1st 1/2 Paid, 2nd 1/2 Due
Delinquent Tax: None
Base Tax: $3,173.56 (Homestead)
Estimated Market Value: $247,900.00
Assessed in the name of: Mark G. Ralke
NAME SEARCHES:
There are no unsatisfied judgments and notices of Federal or State Tax Liens docketed in Hennepin County District
Court, and the Hennepin County Recorder’s office appearing against the following names (through the date
interest was conveyed out):
Mark G. Ralke
Except as follows: None
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street - Ward 2 Page 6
LT File Number: 714850 Page 2 of 2
POSTED EFFECTIVE DATE: May 22, 2025
This Property Report is not a title examination, title opinion, title insurance commitment or title insurance policy. This report is
furnished for the use and benefit of the requesting party. The liability of the reporting company caused by inaccuracies
contained herein is limited to the amount paid for in said report.
Land Title, Inc. 2200 West County Road C, Suite 2205, Roseville, MN 55113 phone (651) 638-1900 fax (651) 697-6185 landtitleinc.com
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5Ĩ)
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236273v1
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EXHIBIT C
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
Order of the City Council of St. Louis Park,
Hennepin County, Minnesota concerning
Hazardous building on the property
Located at:
7436 North Street, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426
Legally described as: Lots 43 and 44, Block 143, "Rearrangement of St. Louis Park", Together
with the Southeasterly 1/2 of vacated alley adjoining said Lots, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Parcel Identification Number (PID): 20-117-21-21-0051
TO: Mark G. Ralke, Owner in Fee Simple of the Subject Property; and
CC: Thomas H. Ralke, Brother and Presumptive Next-of-Kin to Owner of the Subject Property.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 463.15, et seq., the City of St. Louis Park City Council,
having duly considered the matter, found the above-described property to be hazardous
through the passage of Resolution No. ___.
City staff have observed the conditions present at 7436 North Street, St. Louis Park, MN
55426 [hereinafter: subject property]. Their observations revealed that the subject property
constitutes a hazardous property within the meaning of Minnesota Chapter 463. Specifically,
the city council found that the subject property sustained extensive fire damage on February
25, 2025, is no longer habitable, and in disrepair in such a way as to constitute a hazard to public
safety or health within the meaning of Minn. Stat. § 463.15, subd. 3.
Pursuant to the foregoing, in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 463.17, unless the
hazardous conditions listed above are removed within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order,
the city shall cause the hazardous conditions on the subject property to be removed. The
removal of the above-reference hazardous conditions requires, at minimum, securing the
building against entry and pest intrusion, repair or removal of damaged structural elements and
weatherproofing, and removal of fire-damaged remnants, and may require demolition of the
building and foundation and backfilling of excavation.
If you fail to remedy the hazardous conditions, the city will seek permission from the
District Court for the city to do so. The city will move the District Court for summary
enforcement of this Order pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 463.19 unless you remedy the situation
within said thirty (30) day period or unless an answer is filed within twenty (20) days of service
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street - Ward 2 Page 29
236273v1
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of this Order upon you pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 463.18. Any answer filed must specifically deny
sufficient facts presented in this Order to raise a material question as to the presence or
absence of hazardous conditions. Upon enforcement of the Order by the city, all costs
expended by the city including reasonable attorneys’ fees will be assessed against the real
property and collected as other taxes as provided in Minn. Stat. § 463.21.
If you fail to remedy the hazardous conditions, you must remove all personal property
or fixtures necessary for the removal of the deck, if any, within thirty (30) days of service of
this Order upon you pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 463.24. If said personal property or fixtures are
not removed within that by time, then the city may sell the personal property or fixtures at
public auction as provided in Minn. Stat. § 463.21 or the city may destroy the same.
CAMPBELL KNUTSON
Professional Association
Dated: June 11, 2025 By /s/ John S. Brooksbank
John S. Brooksbank (#0402593)
Grand Oak Office Center I
860 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 290
Eagan, MN 55121
Telephone: (651) 234-6235
jbrooksbank@ck-law.com
Attorney for City of Saint Louis Park
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5f)
Title: Resolution declaring hazardous building at 7436 North Street - Ward 2 Page 30
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5g
Executive summary
Title: Resolution supporting and prioritizing 2026 capital budget requests to the Minnesota
Department of Management and Budget
Recommended action: Motion to adopt resolution establishing project priority for 2026 capital
budget requests.
Policy consideration: Does the city council support the staff-recommended prioritization for
these three capital projects in its submission to the Governor’s capital budget?
Summary: The recommended action is a step in the process to apply for financial support from
the state. The State of Minnesota' s capital budget is primarily funded by issuing state general
obligation bonds. It includes grants to local governments to acquire and improve public lands
and buildings and other public improvements of a capital nature. This means projects must:
•be for a public purpose,
•be publicly owned,
•have a purpose clearly set forth in the law, and
•constitute capital expenditures.
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) requests are due on June 13, 2025 and may be edited until
Oct. 17, 2025. When a city submits more than one request, it is asked to prioritize them by
approving a resolution.
Staff recommends the following prioritization for the projects submitted:
Priority 1: Oxford/ Louisiana area infrastructure investment
Priority 2: Wayzata/Zarthan/16th Street improvements
Financial or budget considerations: Details regarding the estimated cost for these two projects
are included in the discussion section of the report. If the city is successful in its request for
state funding, 50% of the funding identified in the current CIP would come from the state,
lowering the burden on local resources.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Oxford/Louisiana one pager
Wayzata/Zarthan/16th Street one pager
Prepared by: Clancy Ferris, legislative & grants analyst
Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director
Amelia Cruver, finance director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5g) Page 2
Title: Resolution supporting and prioritizing 2026 capital budget requests to the Minnesota Department of
Management and Budget
Discussion
Background: The capital budget process begins in odd-numbered years with the collection of
requests from state agencies and local units of government. The Minnesota Department of
Management and Budget (MMB) issues instructions to agencies on how to submit capital
budget requests in May of the year preceding its submission to the legislature. All local unit of
government and political subdivision capital project requests are due to MMB by June 13, 2025.
When a city submits more than one request, it is asked to prioritize them by approving a
resolution. The city has until Oct. 17, 2025 to edit its requests and include this prioritization.
The two projects are:
• Oxford/Louisiana area infrastructure investment
• Wayzata/Zarthan/16th Street improvements
In addition, it is common for project proposers to work with their area legislators to have bills
introduced that authorize state bonds for the project. While these bills are not passed
individually, they do draw attention to the issue and often receive brief hearings to allow the
proposal to be explained.
Present considerations: November 2025, staff presented the two projects, Oxford/Louisiana
and Wayzata/Zarthan, to our delegation including Representative Kraft, Representative
Youakim and County Commissioner Greene.
In January 2025, staff led a bonding tour of the two road construction projects hosting
Representative Lee, co-chair of the capital investment committee, Representative Kraft and
Representative Youakim.
In March 2025, both bonding projects were introduced to the House Capital Investment
Committee by Representative Kraft and Representative Youakim. The state legislature
concluded its special session on June 10, 2025 and, as part of that work, passed a capital
improvement bill. Unfortunately, no local projects were included in the bill.
In May 2025, staff submitted both projects to the congressional offices of Senator Klobuchar,
Senator Smith, and Representative Omar for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS). We do
not expect to hear back on these projects until after a federal budget is passed.
Next steps: If the council supports the staff recommendation, the resolution will be submitted
to the MMB as part of the application packet. Here are some key dates for the process:
June 13, 2025 All local unit of government requests are due to MMB.
July 15, 2025 MMB submits all local units of government requests and state agency
preliminary requests to the legislature.
October 17, 2025 Final edits to local government requests are due to MMB.
January 15, 2026 Governor Walz submits 2026 Capital Budget Recommendations to the
legislature and MMB publishes all requests.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5g) Page 3
Title: Resolution supporting and prioritizing 2026 capital budget requests to the Minnesota Department of
Management and Budget
Resolution No. 25 -__
Approving prioritization of 2026 capital budget requests to the
Minnesota Department of Management and Budget
Be it resolved by the city council (the “city council”) of the City of St. Louis Park,
Minnesota (the “city”) as follows:
Whereas the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget begins the capital budget
process in odd-numbered years with the collection of requests from state agencies and local units
of government; and
Whereas the City of St. Louis Park plans to submit two capital improvement project requests for
consideration for inclusion in Governor Walz’s 2026 capital budget recommendations to the
legislature,
Now therefore, be it resolved that the City of St. Louis Park supports the submittal of these capital
budget requests, that the city council accepts the responsibility of matching an equal to or greater
than 50 percent of the eligible costs of the project and that the following is the project priority:
Priority 1: Oxford/Louisiana area infrastructure investment
Priority 2: Wayzata/Zarthan/16th Street improvements
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
This project is needed to repair existing infrastructure, remove
barriers to active transportation and transit, and promote
environmental sustainability and climate preparedness. This
project will:
1.Increase transportation access to under-served populations
a.The area is home to over 1,000 affordable housing units
b.27 percent of residents in area identified as people of
color in the 2020 census. This is high when compared to
22.8 percent citywide
c. Sidewalk construction will fill in gaps in the network
creating connections where none exist today
d. Sidewalk construction will connect over 12,000
employees in the area to transit, both transit route 612
and the future Metro Green Line Extension stop making
it easier and more attractive to use transit
2.Improve neighborhood livability and community connection
a.Creates connections to homes, Cedar Lake regional trail,
local businesses and parks.
b.New roundabout at the intersection estimated to reduce
vehicle emissions by 25%.
c.Air quality will be improved by safer access to walking,
biking, and transit
3. Reduce downstream pollution and promote climate resiliency
a.Minnehaha Creek discharges into the Mississippi River,
which provides nearly 20 million people with drinking water
and supports a diversity of wildlife
b.Currently, the area drains directly into Minnehaha Creek,
untreated
c.New infrastructure would remove pollutants prior to
discharge into the creek, creating safer drinking water and
habitat for those downstream
d.Building regional flood protection to remove critical
infrastructure out of the flood zone, including Methodist
Hospital and public roadways
These roadways were last constructed in 1973 and have far
exceeded their design life. Reconstruction is necessary because
routine maintenance activities such as bituminous overlays and
crack seals are no longer cost-effective.
The total project cost is $13.8 million. The city is requesting 50% of
the project cost in state funds and will match the remainder with
local funds. This project is included in the city’s capital
improvement plan.
Prepared by:
•Repairs and modernizes roadways with
regional and local significance.
•Enhances transit and pedestrian
accessibility to Methodist Hospital, a
major hospital serving the Minneapolis-
St. Paul area located two blocks south
of this project.
•New stormwater infrastructure
would remove pollutants from
stormwater.
•Provides flood storage, removing
critical infrastructure out of the
flood zone
•Removes barriers for sustainable,
non-motorized transportation
•Supports equitable and affordable
transportation alternatives
•Advances the city’s goal of carbon
neutrality by 2040
•Improves air quality for
surrounding neighborhoods
Project
benefits:
APPLICANT:
City of St. Louis Park
AREA:
Southwest St. Louis Park
CITY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
St. Louis Park
COUNTY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
Hennepin
REQUESTED AWARD AMOUNT:
$6,900,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST:
$13,800,000
OXFORD AND LOUISIANA AREA
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Encouraging community connection, preventing pollution and
promoting climate resilancy
These roadways provide regional movement of goods and connections to commerce. They’re currently used by almost
4,500 vehicles daily, with 83% of that traffic coming from outside of St. Louis Park. Providing local and regional
connections to Highway 7 and Excelsior Boulevard. The project infrastructure reconstruction and improvements will
significantly contribute to a state of good repair, reduce travel delays, create connections, and protect the
environment.
Public
purpose:
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Phase 1 - 2027
Street reconstruction
New sidewalk
Phase 2 - 2028
Street reconstruction
New sidewalk
Existing trails
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Louisiana light rail station
METRO Green Line Extension
Bus routes
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Dethodist Hospital
Oxford/ Louisiana area infrastructure investment
•Replacement of 1.67 miles of roadway pavement
•Construction of 0.75 miles of new sidewalk
•Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of KdžĨŽƌĚ
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•Regional stormwater treatment and flood storage
•Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and rolling,
including shorter crossing distances, raised pedestrian refuge
islands, and pedestrian-actuated flashing beacons
•Operational and access management changes at
intersections to improve efficiency and safety
•Modification of existing sidewalks to meet ADA requirements
and operation needs
•Replacement of existing street lighting with new LED systems
and enhanced lighting in conflict areas
•Public utility repair and replacement
•Meadowbrook Road from Excelsior Boulevard to the
Meadowbrook ďridge
•
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Redecking of the Meadowbrook ďridge over Minnehaha Creek
Oxford Street from Minnehaha Creek Bridge to Edgewood
Avenue
•Edgewood Avenue from Oxford Street to Cambridge Street
•Cambridge Street from Edgewood Avenue to Alabama Avenue
•Louisiana Avenue from 100 ft north of the intersection with
Oxford Street to 300 ft south of the intersection
Project improvements :
Roadway segments included :
OXFORD AND LOUISIANA AREA
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
This area of the city is primarily zoned industrial, and planning for the redevelopment in preparation
for light rail has been underway for the last ten years. Redevelopment of the private buildings will
provide an economic benefit to area taxpayers along with a variety of housing options for people who
would like to live in St. Louis Park. The new buildings will be more efficient, thus helping with the city’s
climate action goals. The roĂĚ ƌĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ sidewalk construction will help residents,
employees, and visitors make their way around the city safely.
This project is needed to repair existing infrastructure, remove
barriers to access active transportation, transit, affordable
housing, commercial and job centers. This project will:
1.Increase transportation access to under-served populations
a.The area is home to around 839 affordable housing units
b.25.7 percent of residents in the area identified as people
of color in the 2020 census. This is high when compared
to 22.8 percent citywide.
c.Planned bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will
significantly improve multi-modal experience in the area.
d.This project will create walking, biking and transit
connections for over 16,000 employees in the area.
2.Improve neighborhood livability and community connection
a.The new roundabouts at Zarthan Ave/ 16th St and
Gamble Dr/ 16th St are expected to reduce fuel
consumption and reduce vehicle emissions by 25%.
b.Air quality will be improved by safer access to walking,
biking, and transit.
3.Encourage walking, biking, transit and regional connection.
a.Existing roadway design prioritized vehicle traffic and did
not consider other users.
b.Three Rivers has proposed a north south regional
connection is adjacent to Wayzata Blvd. Connecting the
Luce line Trail, North Cedar Lake trail and South Cedar Lake
trail.
c.The city’s bicycle plan includes a multi-use trail connection
along all road segments which will fill in gaps in the city's
network.
d.Planned bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure will
significantly improve multi-modal experience in the area.
These roadways were last constructed over 30 years ago and are
in need of pavement replacement and modernization.
The total project cost is $8.1 million. The city is requesting 50% of
the project cost in state funds and will match the remainder with
local funds. This project is included in the city’s capital
improvement plan in 2027.
Prepared by:
•Repairs and modernizes roadways
with regional and local significance.
•Enhances accessibility to affordable
housing, jobs, and commercial land
uses.
•Advances the city’s goal of carbon
neutrality by 2040
•Removes barriers for
sustainable, non-motorized
transportation
•Improves safety for
pedestrians and bicyclists.
•Supports equitable and
affordable transportation
alternatives
•Improves air quality for
surrounding neighborhoods
Project
benefits:
APPLICANT:
City of St. Louis Park
AREA:
North central St. Louis Park
CITY WHERE PROJECT LOCATED:
St. Louis Park
COUNTY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
Hennepin
REQUESTED AWARD AMOUNT:
$4,050,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST:
$8,100,000
WAYZATA BLVD/ ZARTHAN AVE/
16TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Improving connections to affordable housing, commercial land uses and job centers.
These roadways provide regional movement of goods and connections to commerce. They’re currently
used by approximately 13,000 to 21,500 vehicles per day, with 69 to 79% of that traffic coming from
outside of St. Louis Park. Providing local and regional connections to I-394 and TH100. The project
infrastructure reconstruction and multimodal improvements will significantly contribute to a state of good
repair, reduce travel delays, and create connections.
Public
purpose:
Prepared by:
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•Replacement of 1.3 miles of roadway pavement
•Construction of 0.ϵ miles of new multiͲuse trail
•Construction of two roundabouts located at arthan
Aveͬ 1ϲth St and 'amble Drͬ 1ϲth St.
•Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and
rolling, including user-actuated flashing beacons
•Operational and access management changes at
intersections to improve efficiency and safety
•Modification of existing sidewalks to meet ADA
requirements and operation needs
•Enhanced streetlighting in conflict areas
•Public utility repair and replacement
•taynjata Blvd from Louisiana ve to arthan ve
•arthan ve from taynjata Blvd to ϭϲth Street
•ϭϲth Street from arthan ve to Park Place Blvd
Project improvements :
Roadway segments included :
WAYZATA BLVD/ ZARTHAN AVE
16TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS This area of the city has a mix of land uses. Including affordable rental housing, office
buildings, restaurants, and shopping. The road reconstruction and trail construction will
help residents, employees, and visitors make their way around the city safely.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5h
Executive summary
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of
Minnesota for Beltline Station - Ward 1
Recommended action: Motion to adopt a resolution of support for Sherman Associates’ bond
application to the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB), requesting that
MMB allocate multifamily housing revenue bonds to Sherman’s affordable housing component
within its larger Beltline Station redevelopment.
Policy consideration: Does the city council support Sherman Associates’ application for an
allocation of multifamily housing revenue bonds through the MMB to help finance the
affordable housing component within Sherman’s Beltline Station redevelopment?
Summary: Sherman Associates has requested the city council adopt a resolution of support for
an application to MMB to allocate approximately $14.1 million in multifamily housing conduit
revenue bonds, through the City of St. Louis Park, for construction of the affordable housing
building (Building 2) within the 380-unit Beltline Station redevelopment. As previously
discussed during the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and city council meetings on May
19, 2025, these bonds would help finance construction of a proposed 82-unit multifamily rental
housing building with 39 units affordable to households earning up to 60% of area median
income (AMI), 23 units affordable to households earning up to 50% AMI, and 20 units
affordable to households earning up to 30% AMI. The 20 units at 30% AMI would be
accompanied by project based vouchers (PBVs) from the St. Louis Park Housing Authority. The
total project blended AMI rent is below 50% AMI. The development will have an extended
affordability period of 40 years.
This is the first step of the process for Sherman Associates to secure an allocation of housing
revenue bonds from MMB. Provided the council adopts the proposed resolution of support to
serve as the conduit for these bonds, Sherman Associates and the City of St. Louis Park will
apply to MMB for an allocation of bonds on June 30, 2025. If MMB allocates bonds to the
project, a public hearing will be held in the future; prior to issuance of bonds.
Financial or budget considerations: Issuance of these bonds would not impact the city’s debt
capacity, would not constitute a general or moral obligation of the city, and would not be
secured by the taxing powers of the city or any assets or property of the city. Sherman
Associates will pay an initial $5,000 administrative fee to the city prior to seeking an allocation
of bonds through MMB. If the financing goes forward, Sherman Associates will pay an
administrative fee of 1% of the outstanding principal of the bonds.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Resolution, Exhibit A
Prepared by: Dean Porter-Nelson, redevelopment administrator
Reviewed by: Greg Hunt, economic development manager
Karen Barton, community development director, EDA executive director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 2
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
Resolution No. 25-___________
Granting preliminary approval to the issuance of conduit revenue
bonds for the benefit of Beltline Apartments Limited Partnership to
finance the costs of a multifamily rental housing facility under
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462C, as amended; calling for a public
hearing; establishing compliance with certain reimbursement
regulations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
and taking other actions in connection therewith
Be it resolved by the city council (city council) of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
(city) as follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
1.01. The city is a home rule charter city and political subdivision duly organized and
existing under its charter and the constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota (state).
1.02. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462C, as amended (housing act), the city
is authorized to carry out the public purposes described in the housing act by issuing conduit
revenue bonds to finance or refinance multifamily rental housing developments located within the
city.
1.03 Beltline Apartments Limited Partnership, a Minnesota limited partnership
(borrower), has proposed that the city issue its taxable or tax-exempt revenue bonds, pursuant to
the housing act, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $14,500,000, in one or more
series at one time or from time to time (bonds).
1.04. The proceeds of the bonds are proposed to be loaned by the city to the borrower
to be applied by the borrower to (i) finance the acquisition, construction, and equipping of an
approximately 82-unit multifamily rental housing development and facilities functionally related
and subordinate thereto to be located at or about 3120 Monterey Avenue South in the city
(project); (ii) fund one or more reserve funds to secure the timely payment of the bonds, if
necessary; (iii) pay interest on the bonds during the construction of the project, if necessary; and
(iv) pay certain costs of issuing the bonds.
1.05. As a condition to the issuance of the bonds, the city must adopt a housing program
providing the information required by section 462C.03, subdivision 1a of the housing act (housing
program) and under section 462C.04, subdivision 2, of the housing act, a public hearing must be
held on the housing program after one publication of notice in a newspaper circulating generally in
the city, at least 15 days before the hearing.
1.06. Under section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (code),
prior to the issuance of the bonds a public hearing duly noticed must be held by the city council.
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 3
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
1.07. Under section 146 of the code, the bonds must receive an allocation of the bonding
authority of the state. An application for such an allocation must be made pursuant to the
requirements of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 474A, as amended (allocation act), and preliminary
approval of the issuance of the bonds by the city council is sufficient to authorize the submission of
an application to the office of Minnesota Management and Budget for an allocation of bonding
authority with respect to the bonds to finance the project.
1.08. The borrower has represented that the project will constitute a “50 percent AMI
residential rental project” within the meaning of Minnesota Statutes, section 474a.002,
subdivision 31.
Section 2. Preliminary findings. Based on representations made by the borrower to
the city to date, the city council hereby makes the following preliminary findings, determinations,
and declarations:
(a) The project consists of the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a multifamily
rental housing development designed and intended to be used for rental occupancy. The project
furthers the purposes set forth in the housing act and the project constitutes a “multifamily
housing development” within the meaning of section 462C.02, subdivision 5 of the housing act.
(b) The proceeds of the bonds will be loaned to the borrower and the proceeds of the
loan will be applied to: (i) the acquisition, construction, and equipping of the project; (ii) the
funding of one or more reserve funds to secure the timely payment of the bonds, if necessary;
(iii) the payment of interest on the bonds during the construction of the project, if necessary; and
(iv) the payment of the costs of issuing the bonds. The city will enter into one or more loan
agreements (or other revenue agreement) with the borrower requiring loan repayments from the
borrower in amounts sufficient to repay the loan when due and requiring the borrower to pay all
costs of maintaining and insuring the project, including taxes thereon.
(c) In preliminarily authorizing the issuance of the bonds and the financing of the
acquisition, construction, and equipping of the project and related costs, the city’s purpose is to
further the policies of the housing act.
(d) The bonds will be special, limited obligations of the city payable solely from the
revenues pledged to the payment thereof under the loan agreements (or other revenue
agreement) referred to above, and will not be a general or moral obligation of the city and will not
be secured by or payable from revenues derived from any exercise of the taxing powers of the city.
Section 3. Public hearing. The city council will conduct a public hearing on the housing
program, the project, and the issuance of the bonds by the city at a regular or special meeting on a
date to be determined by the city staff in order to meet publication requirements in accordance
with applicable law. Notice of such hearing (public notice) will be published as required by section
462C.04, subdivision 2 of the housing act and Section 147(f) of the Code. The city clerk is hereby
authorized and directed to publish the public notice, in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A, in the Sun Sailor, the official newspaper and a newspaper of general circulation in the
city, in accordance with applicable law. The public notice will provide a general, functional
description of the project, as well as the maximum aggregate face amount of the bonds to be
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 4
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
issued for the purposes referenced above, the identity of the initial owner, operator, or manager
of the project, and the location of the project. The public notice is authorized to be published on a
date at least 15 days before the meeting of the city council at which the public hearing will take
place. At the public hearing reasonable opportunity will be provided for interested individuals to
express their views, both orally and in writing, on the project and the proposed issuance of the
bonds.
Section 4. Housing program. Kutak Rock LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota, acting as bond
counsel to the city (bond counsel), shall prepare a draft housing program to authorize the issuance
by the city of up to approximately $14,500,000 in revenue bonds in one or more series to finance
the acquisition, construction, and equipping of the project by the borrower. City staff is hereby
authorized to review and approve the housing program.
Section 5. Submission of an application for an allocation of bonding authority. The city
council hereby authorizes the submission of an application for allocation of bonding authority
pursuant to section 146 of the code and the allocation act in accordance with the requirements of
the allocation act. The mayor, city manager, finance director, and city staff and bond counsel are
hereby authorized and directed to take all actions, in cooperation with the borrower, as are
necessary to submit an application for an allocation of bonding authority to Minnesota
Management and Budget.
Section 6. Preliminary approval. The city council hereby provides preliminary approval
to the issuance of the bonds in the approximate aggregate principal amount of up to $14,500,000
to finance all or a portion of the costs of the project pursuant to the housing program of the city,
subject to: (i) a public hearing as required by the housing act and section 147(f) of the code;
(ii) receipt of an allocation of the bonding authority from the state; (iii) final approval by the city
council following the preparation of bond documents; and (iv) final determination by the city
council that the financing of the project and the issuance of bonds are in the best interests of the
city.
Section 7. Reimbursement of costs under the code.
7.01. The United States Department of the Treasury has promulgated regulations
governing the use of the proceeds of tax-exempt bonds, all or a portion of which are to be used to
reimburse the city or the borrower for project expenditures paid prior to the date of issuance of
such bonds. Those regulations (Treasury Regulations, section 1.150-2) (regulations) require that
the city adopt a statement of official intent to reimburse an original expenditure not later than 60
days after payment of the original expenditure. The regulations also generally require that the
bonds be issued and the reimbursement allocation made from the proceeds of the bonds occur
within 18 months after the later of: (i) the date the expenditure is paid; or (ii) the date the project
is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event more than three years after the date the
expenditure is paid. The regulations generally permit reimbursement of capital expenditures and
costs of issuance of the bonds.
7.02. To the extent any portion of the proceeds of the bonds will be applied to
expenditures with respect to the project, the city reasonably expects to reimburse the borrower
for the expenditures made for costs of the project from the proceeds of the bonds after the date
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 5
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
of payment of all or a portion of such expenditures. All reimbursed expenditures shall be capital
expenditures, costs of issuance of the bonds, or other expenditures eligible for reimbursement
under section 1.150-2(d)(3) of the regulations and also qualifying expenditures under the housing
act.
7.03. Based on representations by the borrower, other than (i) expenditures to be paid
or reimbursed from sources other than the bonds, (ii) expenditures permitted to be reimbursed
under prior regulations pursuant to the transitional provision contained in section 1.150-
2(j)(2)(i)(B) of the regulations, (iii) expenditures constituting preliminary expenditures within the
meaning of section 1.150-2(f)(2) of the regulations, or (iv) expenditures in a “de minimus” amount
(as defined in section 1.150-2(f)(1) of the regulations), no expenditures with respect to the project
to be reimbursed with the proceeds of the bonds have been made by the borrower more than 60
days before the date of adoption of this resolution of the city.
7.04. Based on representations by the borrower, as of the date hereof, there are no
funds of the borrower reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside (or
reasonably expected to be reserved, allocated on a long-term basis, or otherwise set aside), to
provide permanent financing for the expenditures related to the project to be financed from
proceeds of the bonds, other than pursuant to the issuance of the bonds. This resolution,
therefore, is determined to be consistent with the budgetary and financial circumstances of the
borrower as they exist or are reasonably foreseeable on the date hereof.
Section 8. Costs. The borrower will pay the administrative fees of the city and pay, or,
upon demand, reimburse the city for payment of any and all costs incurred by the city in
connection with the project and the issuance of the bonds whether or not the bonds are issued.
Section 9. Commitment conditional. The adoption of this resolution does not
constitute a guarantee or a firm commitment that the city will issue the bonds as requested by the
borrower and approval of the bonds is contingent, among other things on the conditions described
in section 6 hereof. If, as a result of information made available to or obtained by the city during its
review of the project, it appears that the project or the issuance of bonds to finance or refinance
the costs thereof is not in the public interest or is inconsistent with the purposes of the housing
act, the city reserves the right to decline to give final approval to the issuance of the bonds. The
city also retains the right, in its sole discretion, to withdraw from participation and accordingly not
issue the bonds should the city council, at any time prior to the issuance thereof, determine that it
is in the best interests of the city not to issue the bonds or should the parties to the transaction be
unable to reach agreement as to the terms and conditions of any of the documents for the
transaction.
Section 10. Effective date. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 6
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 7
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
Exhibit A
Notice of public hearing
Notice of public hearing on a housing program for a multifamily rental housing project and the
issuance of conduit revenue bonds for the benefit of Beltline Apartments Limited Partnership
Notice is hereby given that the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota (city)
will conduct a public hearing on Monday, ___________, 2025 at or after 6:15 p.m., at city hall,
located at 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard in the city, on (i) a proposal by Beltline Apartments
Limited Partnership, a Minnesota limited partnership (borrower), that the city finance the
acquisition, construction, and equipping of an approximately 82-unit multifamily rental housing
development and facilities functionally related and subordinate thereto to be located at or about
3120 Monterey Avenue South in the city (project), by the issuance of conduit revenue bonds or
other obligations, in one or more series at one time or from time to time (bonds) pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462C, as amended (housing act); and (ii) the adoption of a housing
program for the bonds.
The borrower proposes to use the proceeds of the bonds to (i) finance all or a portion of
the costs of the project; (ii) fund one or more reserve funds to secure the timely payment of the
bonds, if necessary; (iii) pay interest on the bonds during the construction of the project, if
necessary; and (iv) pay certain costs of issuing the bonds. The project will be owned and
operated by the borrower.
The estimated maximum aggregate principal amount of the bonds to be issued to
finance the project is $14,500,000.
The bonds or other obligations if and when issued will not constitute a charge, lien or
encumbrance upon any property of the city, and will be payable solely from revenues of the
project and will not be backed by the full faith and credit of the city but will be payable solely
from sums paid by the borrower pursuant to a revenue agreement.
On the date of or on a date following the public hearing, the city council will consider a
resolution approving a housing program prepared in accordance with the requirements of the
housing act and granting approval to the issuance of the bonds. A copy of the housing program
will be on file at city hall, Monday through Friday during the city’s normal business hours until
the date of the public hearing.
At the time and place fixed for the public hearing, the city council will give all persons
who appear or submit comments in writing to the city council prior to the hearing an
opportunity to express their views with respect to the proposal. In addition, interested persons
may file written comments respecting the proposal with the city to the attention of the city
manager at or prior to said public hearing.
Dated: ____________, 2025
Economic development authority meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5h) Page 8
Title: Resolution of support for an affordable housing revenue bond request to the State of Minnesota for Beltline
Station - Ward 1
By order of the city council of the City of St. Louis
Park, Minnesota
/s/ Melissa Kennedy
City Clerk
City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5i
Executive summary
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street
- Ward 2
Recommended action: Motion to adopt resolutions:
• Rescinding Resolutions No. 97-158 and 11-136, removing existing parking restrictions on
Alabama Avenue and 37th Street
• Authorizing parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue near the intersection of 37th Street
• Authorizing parking restrictions on the south side of 37th Street between Alabama and
Brunswick avenues
Policy consideration: Does the city council support the changes to the on-street parking on
37th Street between Alabama and Brunswick Avenues to improve on-street parking for
residents of 6027 37th Street (Union Park Flats apartments) and truck turning operations for
3600 Alabama Avenue (Nordic Ware)?
Summary: The city received a request this spring to remove the “10-minute parking” areas on
Alabama Avenue and 37th Street adjacent to the newly completed Union Park Flats apartments
(6027 37th Street) to allow longer duration on-street parking for residents of the apartments.
Shortly after the request to remove the “10-minute parking” areas, staff received a request
from Nordic Ware (3600 Alabama Avenue) to restrict parking along the south side of 37th
Street between Alabama and Brunswick Avenues. Semi-trucks leaving the warehouse facility of
Nordic Ware turn onto 37th Street to circle back to Alabama Avenue to gain access to Highway
7 and Trunk Highway 100. On-street parking along the south side of 37th Street impedes the
turn movements of semi-trucks.
Staff engaged representatives from both Union Park Flats apartments and Nordic Ware to
understand their parking and access needs. The traffic committee recommends approval of the
attached resolutions, which restrict parking near the intersections of 37th Street at Alabama
and Brunswick to improve semi-truck turning while increasing on-street parking adjacent to the
Union Park Flats apartments.
Financial or budget considerations: The cost of installing the traffic controls is estimated to be
$1,000 and will come out of the general operating budget.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: Resolutions 25-067, 25-068 and 25-069; Resolutions No. 97-158 and
11-136 to be rescinded; location map
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, engineering project manager
Kerrwin Dempsey, engineering technician III
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5i) Page 2
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2
Discussion
Background: The city received a request this spring to remove the “10-minute parking” areas
on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street adjacent to the newly completed Union Park Flats
apartments (6027 37th Street) to allow longer duration on-street parking for residents of the
building.
The “10-minute parking” signage was installed on Alabama Avenue in 1997 and was expanded
in 2011 to include 37th Street to address pick-up and drop-off activities for the daycare facility
located in the Union Congregational Church (3700 Alabama Avenue).
In 2023, the north end of the church was demolished and the daycare center vacated to allow
room for the construction of the Union Park Flats apartment, a 60-unit affordable apartment
building. With the daycare no longer active at the site, the “10-minute parking” is no longer
needed and is recommended to be removed to allow more on-street parking.
The apartment building was completed in early 2025 and became fully occupied in the spring of
2025. The full occupancy of the apartment building resulted in more on-street parking along the
south side of 37th Street, as this is the main entrance of the apartment building.
The increase in on-street parking along the south side of 37th Street between Alabama and
Brunswick avenues led to a request from Nordic Ware semi-truck drivers to restrict parking
near the intersections of 37th Street at Alabama and Brunswick avenues to allow for truck
turning movements. Trucks leaving the warehouse for Nordic Ware at 3600 Alabama Avenue
travel south on Alabama Avenue and then need to turn left onto 37th Street to avoid the
neighborhood traffic circles at Brunswick Avenue/Oxford Street and Brunswick
Avenue/Goodrich Avenue.
These truck movements require vehicles to be parked a distance from the intersections to allow
semi-trucks to safely and efficiently navigate the intersections.
Present consideration: Staff engaged representatives from both Union Park Flats apartments
and Nordic Ware to understand their parking and access needs. Staff observed how both
properties use 37th Street to help craft parking restrictions that would improve both resident
parking and semi-truck operations. The traffic committee discussed this request and
recommended changes to parking to address their concerns. The adjacent property owners
have reviewed and support the recommended changes to the on-street parking.
To implement the new parking restrictions, the following actions need to occur:
• Rescind Resolution No. 97-158: This resolution was passed in 1997. It installed “10-
minute parking” along the west side of Alabama Avenue south of 37th Street and “No
parking anytime” in the northwest corner of the intersection and on the east side of
Alabama Avenue. These “No Parking Anytime” restrictions should remain. A new
resolution is included to reestablish these restrictions.
• Rescind Resolution No. 11-136: This resolution was passed in 2011. It installed “10-
minute parking” on the south side of 37th Street west of Alabama Avenue for 200 feet.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5i) Page 3
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2
• Adopt Resolution No. 25-068 to reinstate the “No parking anytime” restrictions in the
northwest corner of the intersection of Alabama Avenue and 37th Street and on the
east side of Alabama Avenue.
• Adopt Resolution No. 25-069 to create the following four zones along the south side of
37th Street between Alabama and Brunswick avenues:
o No Parking anytime – 120 feet from the east curb line of Brunswick Avenue
o Loading Only – 25 feet directly in front of the main entrance to Union Park Flats
Apartments to allow ride-share and other pick-up and drop-off activities
o 66 feet of parking just east of the loading-only zone
o No Parking anytime – 120 feet from the west curb line of Alabama Avenue
Next steps: If approved by the council, the signage will be installed in June 2025 by city crews.
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5i) Page 4
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2
Resolution No. 25-067
Rescind Resolutions No. 97-158 and 11-136
restricting parking near the intersection
of Alabama Avenue and 37th Street
Whereas, the city received requests to consider changes to on-street parking near the
intersection of Alabama Avenue and 37th Street and along the south side of 37th Street
between Alabama and Brunswick Avenues; and
Whereas, existing “10-minute parking 6AM-6PM Mon-Fri” parking restrictions along the
west side of Alabama Avenue south of 37th Street were approved per Resolution No. 97-158 to
address pick-up and drop-off activities for the business at 3700 Alabama Avenue and included
no parking on Alabama Avenue not related to the adjacent land use; and
Whereas, existing “10-minute” parking restrictions along the south side of 37th Street
west of Alabama Avenue were approved per Resolution No. 11-136 to address pick-up and
drop-off activities for the business at 3700 Alabama Avenue; and
Whereas, the 10-minute parking restrictions are no longer needed due to changes in
adjacent land use; and
Whereas, the “No Parking” restriction at the northwest corner of Alabama Avenue and
37th Street and on the east side of Alabama Avenue near the intersection should remain; and
Whereas, the recommended changes to on-street parking near the intersection of
Alabama Avenue and 37th Street and along the south side of 37th Street between Alabama and
Brunswick Avenues will require rescinding the two existing resolutions,
Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota,
that:
1. Resolution No. 97-158 is rescinded
2. Resolution No. 11-136 is rescinded
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5i) Page 5
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2
Resolution No. 25-068
Authorizing parking restrictions on
Alabama Avenue at 37th Street
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park received a request to remove “10-minute parking
6AM-6PM Mon-Fri” parking restrictions at 3700 Alabama Avenue; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park had established the various parking restrictions in
Resolution 97-158; and
Whereas, the traffic committee has reviewed the request and recommended the removal
of “10-minute parking 6AM-6PM Mon-Fri” parking restrictions at 3700 Alabama Avenue; and
Whereas, staff recommends leaving the “No Parking" restrictions on the east side of
Alabama Avenue opposite 3700 Alabama Avenue and thirty feet north of 37th Street on the
west side of Alabama Avenue; and
Whereas, Resolution No. 97-158 was rescinded by the St. Louis Park City Council as
approved in Resolution No. 25-067; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park will establish a new resolution to reconcile the
remaining parking restrictions,
Now therefore be it resolved, by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
that the engineering director is authorized to:
1. Install “No Parking" signage on the east side of Alabama Avenue beginning at a point
250 feet north of the north curb line of Oxford Street and proceeding north to a point
150 feet north of said beginning.
2. Install “No Parking" signage on the west side of Alabama Avenue beginning at the north
curb line of 37th Street and proceeding north to a point 30 feet north of the north curb
line of 37th Street.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5i) Page 6
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2
Resolution No. 25-069
Authorizing parking restrictions on the south side of 37th Street
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park received a request to remove “10-minute parking”
parking restrictions along the south side of 37th Street between Alabama and Brunswick
Avenues; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park had established the various parking restrictions in
Resolution No. 11-136; and
Whereas, the traffic committee has reviewed the request and recommended the removal
of “10-minute parking” parking restrictions along the south side of 37th Street between
Alabama and Brunswick Avenues; and
Whereas, staff recommends adding parking restrictions along the south side of 37th
Street to address the parking and loading zone needs of the adjacent land use and to improve
semi-truck turn movements operations on 37th Street; and
Whereas, Resolution No. 11-136 was rescinded by the St. Louis Park City Council as
approved in Resolution No. 25-067; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park will establish a new resolution to authorize parking
restrictions,
Now therefore be it resolved, by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
that the engineering director is authorized to:
1. Install “No Parking" signage on the south side of 37th Street beginning at the east curb
line of Brunswick Avenue to a point 120 feet east.
2. Install “Loading Only” signage on the south side of 37th Street beginning at a point 120
feet east of the east curb line of Brunswick Avenue and extending for 25 feet east.
3. Install “No Parking" signage on the south side of 37th Street beginning at the west curb
line of Alabama Avenue to a point 120 feet west.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
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City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5i)
Title: Resolutions authorizing on-street parking restrictions on Alabama Avenue and 37th Street - Ward 2 Page 7
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5j
Executive summary
Title: Resolution authorizing loading zone on 31st Street - Ward 1
Recommended action: Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the installation of a loading
zone on the south side of 31st Street between Glenhurst and Inglewood Avenues.
Policy consideration: Does the city council support designating loading zone along 31st Street
to provide a location for vehicles to safely pull to the side of the road to conduct short-term
business with the residents of the 4141 31st Street (Parkway Commons Apartments)?
Summary: The property owner of Parkway Commons Apartments, 4141 31st Street, installed
loading zone signage in the right of way adjacent to their property in the fall of 2024 without
requesting the signage from the city. To be enforceable, parking restrictions in the right of way
require approval by the city. Communication with the property owner over the winter resulted
in the signage being removed until the request could be considered by the city. Staff received a
request from the property owner in April 2025 to create this loading zone.
Housing on the road is made up of several multi-unit buildings. Often, there is no available
space for delivery and ride-share vehicles to safely pull to the side of the road while they
complete their business. This has led to blockages of the travel lanes and driveways while
drivers leave their vehicles, making the roadway impassable for short periods of time. To make
space for the loading zone, approximately two parking stalls would be permanently removed
from the south side of 31st Street. The road is 30 feet wide, and there are currently two
additional loading zones, one on each side of the road at the east end of the block.
The traffic committee discussed the request and recommended that a loading zone be
reinstalled on the south side of the block, adjacent to the main entrance of 4141 31st Street
(Parkway Commons Apartments).
Installing the loading zone will provide a short-term parking area for transactions such as
package pick-up or delivery, food delivery, or resident drop-off and pick-up. The zone would
also serve as a safe area for a vehicle to pull to the side of the road when meeting oncoming
vehicles.
Financial or budget considerations: The cost of installing the traffic controls is estimated to be
$500 and will come out of the general operating budget.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options
for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: Resolution, Location map
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, engineering project manager
Kerrwin Dempsey, engineering technician III
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5j) Page 2
Title: Resolution authorizing loading zone on 31st Street - Ward 1
Resolution No. 25-____
Authorizing a loading zone on the 4000-4100 block of 31st Street
Whereas, in April of 2025, the City of St. Louis Park received a request to install a loading
zone on the south side of 31st Street adjacent to 4141; and
Whereas, staff has reviewed the request and recommended the installation of a loading
zone on the south side of 31st Street adjacent to 4141; and
Whereas, the loading zone space will provide short-term parking for deliveries near the
main entrance of the Parkway Commons Apartments located at 4141 31st Street,
Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
that the engineering director is authorized to:
Establish a loading zone on the south side of 31st Street beginning at a point 86 feet
east of Inglewood Avenue to a point 45 feet west of the said beginning.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Proposed loading zone - 31st St W
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Proposed loading zone
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5j)
Title: Resolution authorizing loading zone on 31st Street - Ward 1 Page 3
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5k
Executive summary
Title: Resolution authorizing loading zones on County Road 25 South Service Drive - Ward 1
Recommended action: Motion to adopt resolution authorizing the installation of two loading
zones along the south side of County Road 25 South Service Drive between Glenhurst and
Inglewood Avenues.
Policy consideration: Does the city council support designating two loading zones along County
Road 25 South Service Drive to provide a location for vehicles to safely pull to the side of the
road to conduct short-term business with the residents of 4015 County Road 25 (Parkway 25
Apartments)?
Summary: The property owner of Parkway 25 Apartments, 4015 County Road 25, installed
loading zone signage in the right of way adjacent to their property in the fall of 2024 without
requesting the signage from the city. To be enforceable, parking restrictions in the right of way
require approval by the city. Communication with the property owner over the winter resulted
in the signage being removed until the request could be considered by the city. Staff received a
request from the property owner in April 2025 to create two loading zones.
The road is 28 feet wide with a 6.5-foot-wide parking bay on the south side. There are currently
no parking restrictions on the south side of the street on this block. The parking bay spans 250
feet adjacent to the property. When the parking bay is at capacity, there is no available space
for delivery and ride-share vehicles to safely pull to the side of the road while they complete
their business. This has led to short-term blockages of the eastbound travel lane while drivers
leave their vehicles, reducing the roadway to one lane for short periods of time. To make space
for the two loading zones, approximately four parking stalls would be permanently removed
from the area.
The traffic committee discussed the request and recommended that two loading zones be
reinstalled in the parking bay adjacent to this property. Installing the loading zones will provide
short-term parking areas for transactions such as package pick up or delivery, food delivery or
resident drop-off or pick-up.
Financial or budget considerations: The cost of installing the traffic controls is estimated to be
$750 and will come out of the general operating budget.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: Resolution, Location map
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, engineering project manager
Kerrwin Dempsey, engineering technician III
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5k) Page 2
Title: Resolution authorizing loading zones on County Road 25 South Service Drive - Ward 1
Resolution No. 25-____
Authorizing loading zones on the Country Road 25 South Service Drive
Whereas, in April of 2025, the City of St. Louis Park received a request to install two
loading zones on the south side of the County Road 25 South Service Drive at 4015; and
Whereas, staff has reviewed the request and recommended the installation of loading
zones on the south side of County Road 25 South Service Drive at 4015; and
Whereas, the loading zone spaces will provide short-term parking for deliveries near the
main entrance of 4015 on the south side of the County Road 25 South Service Drive,
Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
that the engineering director is authorized to:
1. Establish a loading zone on the south side of the County Road 25 South Service Drive at
4015, beginning at a point 32 feet northeast of the southwest end of the parking bay to
a point 72 feet northeast of said beginning; and
2. Establish a loading zone on the south side of the County Road 25 South Service Drive at
4015, beginning at a point 34 feet southwest of the northeast end of the parking bay to
a point 74 feet southwest of said beginning.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Proposed loading zones - County Rd 25 South Service Dr.
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Proposed loading zone
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5k)
Title: Resolution authorizing loading zones on County Road 25 South Service Drive - Ward 1 Page 3
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5l
Executive summary
Title: Approve replacement purchase of freightliner truck with plow and dump
Recommended action: Motion to approve replacement of freightliner truck (unit 1006), front
plow (unit 1014), underbelly plow (unit 1015), wing plow (unit 1017) and tailgate sander (unit
1018).
Policy consideration: Does the city council approve replacing the freightliner truck and
attachments?
Summary: The 2012 freightliner truck is 14 years old and is scheduled to be replaced in the
2025 capital improvement plan. This type of vehicle performs snow removal, general hauling
such as debris removal, watermain breaks and street paving. The replacement will b e similar in
type and use.
A quote for a freightliner truck and attachments was received. The budgeted amount is
$316,143.00 and the quote received is $323,996.08. This is higher than budgeted due to a
combination of factors, including rising material costs (such as steel), increased labor costs,
supply chain disruptions, and inflation since 2020. The purchase is by means of the State of
Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing venture. Purchases made through the State Cooperative
Purchasing venture do not require a competitive bid process.
Approval from the city council is required because the purchase is over the statutory limit of
$175,000.
Financial or budget considerations: Replacement of this vehicle is budgeted in the vehicle
capital replacement fund. Also, the units being replaced will be auctioned with proceeds going
to the vehicle capital replacement fund.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: None.
Prepared by: Stacy M. Voelker, administrative coordinator
Tom O’Donnell, fleet manager
Reviewed by: Larry Umphrey, parks superintendent
Jason T. West, parks and recreation director
Amelia Cruver, finance director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5m
Executive summary
Title: Resolution authorizing special assessment for sewer line repair at 4124 Xenwood Ave nue
South - Ward 2
Recommended action: Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the special assessment for the
repair of the sewer service line at 4124 Xenwood Avenue South, P.I.D. 21-117-21-31-0125.
Policy consideration: The proposed action is consistent with the policy previously established
by the city council.
Summary: Robert Gehrman, owner of the single-family residence at 4124 Xenwood Avenue
South, has requested the city authorize the repair of the sewer service line for his home and
assess the cost against the property in accordance with the city’s special assessment policy.
The city requires the repair of service lines to promote the general public health, safety and
welfare within the community. The special assessment policy for the repair or replacement of
water and/or sewer service lines for existing homes was adopted by the city council in 1996. This
program was put into place because sometimes property owners face financial hardships when
emergency repairs like this are unexpectedly required. Plans and permits for this service line
repair work were completed, submitted and approved by city staff. The property owner hired a
contractor and repaired the sewer service line in compliance with current codes and regulations.
Based on the completed work, this repair qualifies for the city’s special assessment program. The
property owner has petitioned the city to authorize the sewer service line repair and special
assess the cost of the repair. The total eligible cost of the repair has been determined to be
$ 12,480.
Financial or budget considerations: The city has funds in place to finance the cost of this
special assessment.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Beth Holida, office assistant
Reviewed by: Emily Carr, assessing technician
Austin Holm, utilities superintendent
Stacy M. Voelker, administrative coordinator
Jay Hall, public works director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City council meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 5m) Page 2
Title: Resolution authorizing special assessment for sewer line repair at 4124 Xenwood Avenue South - Ward 2
Resolution No. 25-____
Authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the
sewer service line at 4124 Xenwood Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN
P.I.D. 21-117-21-31-0125
Whereas, the property owner at 4124 Xenwood Avenue South has petitioned the City of
St. Louis Park to authorize a special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line for the
single-family residence located at 4124 Xenwood Avenue South; and
Whereas, the property owner has agreed to waive the right to a public hearing, right of
notice and right of appeal pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Chapter 429; and
Whereas, the city council of the City of St. Louis Park has received a report from the
Utility Superintendent related to the repair of the sewer service line,
Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota,
that:
1.The petition from the property owner requesting the approval and special assessment for
the sewer service line repair is hereby accepted.
2.The sewer service line repair that was done in conformance with the plans and
specifications approved by the Public Works Department and Department of Inspections is
hereby accepted.
3.The total cost for the repair of the sewer service line is accepted at $12,480.
4.The property owner has agreed to waive the right to a public hearing, notice and appeal
from the special assessment, whether provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, or by
other statutes, or by ordinance, City Charter, the constitution, or common law.
5.The property owner has agreed to pay the city for the total cost of the above improvements
through a special assessment over a ten (10) year period at the interest rate of 6%.
6.The property owner has executed an agreement with the city and all other documents
necessary to implement the repair of the sewer service line and the special assessment of
all costs associated therewith.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the city council June 16, 2025:
Kim Keller, city manager Nadia Mohamed, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Consent agenda item: 5n
Executive summary
Title: Approve appointment to the Community Technology Advisory Commission
Recommended action: Motion to appoint Shane Leverenz to the community technology
advisory commission for a term ending May 31, 2026.
Policy consideration: Does the council wish to appoint Shane Leverenz to the community
technology advisory commission for the term ending May 31, 2026?
Summary: Shane Leverenz has been selected to fill a mid-term vacancy on the community
technology advisory commission. During boards and commissions interviews on May 12, 2025,
Shane was identified as an alternate candidate for future openings on the commission. When a
recent vacancy arose, staff reached out to confirm his continued interest, and upon acceptance,
the offer was extended. If appointed, Shane will serve in this seat on the commission until May
31, 2026. The term will begin immediately upon city council’s approval, and the newly
appointed member will participate in orientation with the designated staff liaison.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity
and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
Supporting documents: None.
Prepared by: Pat Coleman, community engagement coordinator
Reviewed by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Meeting: Special study session
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Base budget and background
Recommended action: None at this time, for discussion purposes only.
Policy consideration:
•Does the city council support increasing the Employee Benefits Fund portion of the levy
from $200,000 to $400,000 to cover ongoing costs and reduce the need for fund
balance transfers in the future?
•Does the city council support moving to an allocation model to fund the internal services
budgeted for in the IT Replacement Funds and the Municipal Building Fund, moving the
levy into the general fund and charging departments for services and good consumed?
Summary: The first step in the budget process is to project the base budget – how much does it
cost in 2026 to support the approved people and programs included in the current year and
how much non-property tax revenue do we expect to bring in? This report lays out the base
budget and assumptions driving cost and revenue projections as a primer for the budget
deliberations for 2026.
Staff is also recommending two changes as a part of the base budget, which are laid out in the
report.
1.Levy revenue budgeted in the Employee Benefits Fund had been below demand for
many years. Staff is recommending an increase of $200,000 to match the ongoing
payments made out of that fund that rely on the property tax levy. In the future, this
will lower or eliminate the need to transfer unobligated cash from the general fund to
address negative fund balances which has been the practice over the past several years
when the levy revenue was lower.
2.Staff is also recommending moving to a consistent allocation model to fund our internal
services. This means that those funds would be supported through charges to the
appropriate department, rather than a direct levy into the fund. This will provide more
transparency into the cost of providing services to the community and will better align
with accounting best practices.
Financial or budget considerations: This report lays out the starting point for 2026 budget
decision making. The council will receive a report and presentation on Aug. 11, 2025, with
recommendations on new operating budget items and on Sept. 2, 2025, with new capital
budget items and the overall recommended levy increase.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Amelia Cruver, finance director
Reviewed by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Page 2 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
Discussion
Background:
2024 Spending and Revenue
Expenses in the general fund were virtually on budget in 2024; final expenses were 1.3 percent
over budget. One of the key expenses driving this slight overspending is payment processor
fees. This is the cost to the city to process credit card payments. Historically, the city has
budgeted a nominal amount for this cost since the percentage of residents and customers
paying with a credit card varied. However, in recent years the amount of revenue received into
the general fund via credit card has increased meaningfully, nearly doubling since 2019, with
credit card processor fees reaching just over $300,000 in 2024. Looking into 2026, the city is
taking the following steps to mitigate this increasing expense:
•Increasing budgets to match recent activity.
•Ensuring we are using processors with the most competitive fees.
•Investigating the impacts of charging credit card users for the fee associated with their
expense. Continuing to fund these credit card fees is a policy decision that could be
revisited in the future.
Final transfers to other funds were also increased above the original 2024 budget. Transfers
were increased to support the long-range capital plan which uses excess fund balance to
support spending in the Capital and Internal Services funds while the levy is raised over time to
correct the structural deficit in those funds. As we will discuss in greater detail in our audit
presentation, the general fund remains healthy and at the city’s target fund balance policy.
Revenues were above budget by 3.8 percent, with state and federal aid above projections and
the awarding of a grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for tree canopy work
in the parks and recreation department. In addition, transfers went up from the initial budget,
driven by an increase in the transfer from the American Rescue Plan Act fund to capture all
remaining federal aid dollars to ensure they were spent in 2024 in accordance with federal
regulations.
In 2024, St. Louis Park produced its first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) to accompany
our annual audit. This document translates the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
into plain language and tells an accessible story about the city’s finances. Finance submitted the
2024 PAFR to the Government Finance Officers Association for consideration and received a
Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award for our work. The PAFR can be found on the city's
financial reports web page.
In 2024, the city expended all of its remaining American Rescue Plan Act Funds. In April, staff
submitted a final compliance report with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and are not at
risk of potential claw-back due to unexpended or unobligated funds.
In 2024, the city received $187,500 in tax credits from the federal government. These credits
were possible under a new provision signed into law with the Inflation Reduction Act that
allowed tax-exempt entities, such as cities, to apply for tax credits associated with capital
investments aimed at addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The
Page 3 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
city received $119,500 in tax credits for purchasing and installing solar panels at the Rec Center,
which qualified for a $112,000 tax credit, and purchasing an electric vehicle that qualified for
the $7,500 credit in 2023. After staff’s first submission was successful, the city submitted tax
returns on qualified 2024 projects that would bring in another $68,000 in tax credits, but staff
has not received any information about the status of those funds. With federal policy around
climate change efforts in flux, the city will continue to monitor this program and take advantage
of the incentives whenever possible.
A deeper dive into the city’s 2024 financial performance will occur on July 14, 2025, when the
audited financial statements will be presented by finance staff and our external auditor.
In the past several budget cycles we have made a number of improvements to increase
transparency and support the city’s strategic priorities. Some examples are:
•Through properly aligning expenses with revenues throughout major funds, staff has
stopped the spend-down of the Development Fund and eliminated unnecessary
transfers and charge backs between funds that make understanding trends in spending
and revenue difficult, if not impossible.
•Snow clearing, light pole replacement and basic pavement maintenance are variable
costs that had historically been budgeted in the General Fund. This led to some years
being well under budget and overspending in other years. Beginning in 2025, staff is
budgeting for these costs in the Municipal Infrastructure fund, so that years of
underspending will build a fund balance that can be used to address outlier years, rather
than the levy. This will lead to less fluctuation in the property tax levy when more
extreme weather impacts city spending.
Page 4 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
Present considerations:
2026 Budget Roadmap
Date Topic Issues and Decision Points
June 16,
2025
Base Budget and Context •2024 Actual versus Budget
•2025 decisions with trailing budgetary impacts
•2026 revenue projections
•Personnel expense projections and Paid Family and
Medical Leave
•Employee Benefits Fund
•Internal Service funds change
July 14,
2025
2024 Certified Annual
Financial Report and Audit
•2024 financial performance
•2024 fund balances
•Audit findings and corrective action plans
Aug. 11,
2025
Operating Budget Proposal •New proposals for the 2026 operating budget and
levy implications
Sept. 2,
2025
Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) and Final Levy
•Revised CIP 2026 – 2030 and budget implications
•Complete levy recommendation
•Projected levy impact by property type and quartile
•Fee adoption
Sept. 22,
2025
Levy adoption •Maximum Levy adoption
October
2025, TBD
TIF Management Plan
update
•TIF district performance
•TIF district recommended transfers and
decertification, if any
Mid-
November
2025
Truth in taxation property
tax notices sent out by the
county
•Residents receive an estimate of their 2026 tax bill
and information on the public hearing in December
2025
Nov. 10,
2025
Council report and
discussion: Revised budget
•Revisions to the budget and adjustments to the levy,
as needed. In November 2025, the levy can only go
down from the maximum set in September 2025
•Review the 2030-2034 CIP
Dec. 1, 2025 Council report and public
hearing: Truth in Taxation
•Residents share feedback on the proposed 2026
budget
Dec. 15,
2025
Council report, discussion
and vote: Budget adoption
•City council adopts the 2026 budget and CIP
2026 Economic Outlook
According to the multinational firm, Deloitte, the global outlook is showing a slowing in
consumer spending as consumer confidence drops. Ongoing concerns with the possibility of a
recession and heightened inflation, combined with a softening labor market and high or
uncertain tariffs, may lead to further slowing in the next six months.
Interest rates are a key variable in the economic outlook, especially when attempting to
forecast new development projects in the city. At the time of writing this report, interest rates
remain relatively high, with the federal rate holding at 4.33% with no indication of dropping in
Page 5 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
the near term. Prospective developers that are waiting for borrowing to become cheaper will
have to continue to wait.
Additionally, investor caution in speculative or mixed-use developments, particularly those
relying heavily on debt finance, as well as delays in construction timelines as developers phase
projects to align with more stable economic periods, is impacting the short-term economic
outlook.
When large housing or economic development building or renovation projects occur, the city
benefits in many ways. In the long run, the city increases its economic output, increases its
desirability as a place to live and a place to work, and increases the market value of the city,
spreading the property tax burden out over more contributors.
In the short run, the city collects fees related to the planning and permitting of these projects;
one or two large projects can have a meaningful impact on the city meeting or missing its
revenue projections. Each year, finance works with the staff in the community development,
building and energy, and assessing divisions to forecast economic activity in the city for the
budget year and translate that forecast into revenue projections. This year, the city is projecting
an average year for revenues related to development in the city, but with below average
certainty. There are enough projects in the pipeline to assume that enough will reach the finish
line to meet the flat or slightly lower revenue projections in this budget compared to 2025.
The 2026 economic environment presents a complex mix of challenges and opportunities for
development. While the elevated interest rate environment may cause short-term hesitation in
new investments, the city remains well-positioned to realize long-term benefits from a strong
project pipeline. Strategic coordination between departments, ongoing developer engagement,
and proactive policy adjustments will be key to mitigating risks and maximizing development
outcomes during this uncertain economic period.
Federal Actions Impacting the 2026 Budget
A flurry of executive orders at the federal level earlier this year will have impacts on the city’s
budget in 2026.
When staff submitted a request for reimbursement for a previously approved grant of formula
funds from the Department of Energy to support green infrastructure, they were told that
because of an executive action, they would not be processing any requests for reimbursement
for 90 days. That period has lapsed, and staff have been informed that the city’s request is now
under review. Should the anticipated funding fall through, the city would have to cover the
expense with unobligated fund balance, lowering reserves available for other priorities.
In April 2025, executive orders cut funding to national AmeriCorps programs and Climate
Impact Corps withdrew its AmeriCorps grant application from consideration, leading to their
decision to not operate next program year. This decision was made by ServeMN and Ampact,
the organization that operates Climate Impact Corps. Climate Impact Corps contribute to the
city’s tree inventory work and staff had planned to continue utilizing three Climate Impact
Corps volunteers into 2026 to complete that work. With the elimination of the Climate Impact
Corps program, staff will either need to slow down the timeline of completing the tree
inventory or find additional resources to complete the project under the original timeline.
Page 6 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
Divisions of public works have also utilized AmeriCorps volunteers to complete special projects,
and that will continue at least through the end of the calendar year.
Trade policy will also have an impact on the 2026 capital budget. For many capital projects,
materials are procured from domestic and international vendors. Any increase in tariffs with
other countries that supply building materials will increase the cost of capital projects in St.
Louis Park. Forecasting this cost has been extremely challenging, as policies have changed
quickly. Staff will continue to monitor policy and communicate with vendors to clarify the
impact to capital project cost in the capital improvement plan.
Previous Policy Decisions’ Impact on the 2026 Budget
In 2023, the city was awarded a SAFER grant through the Federal Emergency Management
Agency. This grant pays for the salary and benefits of three additional fire fighters for three
years. Those funds will run out in early 2026; staff predict around $90,000 of the grant will
remain at the end of 2025. The levy will increase to cover the remaining annual costs for those
fire fighters and fully fund them in future years.
In addition, the city chose to utilize $500,000 in unobligated fund balance that was made
possible through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to reduce the property tax levy in
2025. In 2026, the city had planned to decrease that use of fund balance to $300,000, leaving
the leavy to pick up the other $200,000 in lost revenue. This gradual step down off of one-time
funds was planned to ensure that no artificial cliff in funding was created by utilizing these
funds to increase the levy at a lower than anticipated rate.
The Debt Service Levy is estimated to rise over the next five years to cover on-going debt
issuances for Capital Improvement Projects focused on transportation improvements,
equipment replacement and facility maintenance. The projected increase to the Debt Service
Levy is approximately 9.7% for fiscal year 2026. There are no TIF districts expected to decertify
in 2025. The table below shows the expected levy needed in 2026 at the time the 2025 budget
was adopted. Over the course of the next two months, we will be updating these figures with
more precise estimates.
The total levy increase projected for 2026 was 6.64% at the time of the 2025 budget adoption.
Page 7 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
The graph below is from the adoption of the 2025 budget in December 2024:
Fund 2025
Adopted
Budget
2026
Forecast, As
of Dec 2025
Forecast
Change, As of
Dec 2025
%
change
General Fund $38,808,815 $40,749,256 $1,940,441 5.0%
Capital Replacement Fund $2,223,496 $2,557,020 $333,524 15.0%
Park Improvement Fund $510,000 $700,000 $190,000 37.3%
Employee Benefits Fund $200,000 $200,000 $0 0.0%
Subtotal General Levies $41,742,311 $44,206,277 $2,463,965 5.9%
Debt Service Levy $6,856,221 $7,523,750 $667,529 9.7%
General and Debt Service
Levies
$48,598,532 $51,730,027 $3,131,494
Housing and
Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) Levy
$1,194,133 $1,194,133 $0 0.0%
Economic Development
Authority (EDA) Levy
$187,000 $374,000 $187,000 100.0%
Assumptions:
•A 4.5% growth in base spending in the general fund levy to support inflationary
increases in personnel costs. A discussion of projected personnel cost increases into
2026 are included later in this report.
•An increase of $390,000 to support three full time fire department employees when the
SAFER grant runs out in early 2026.
•An increase in the debt service levy to support the planned debt funded projects in the
CIP. Debt payment costs begin the year following the issuance, so the 2026 amount will
be close to the amount forecast last year and will be refined when 2025 bonds are
actually sold later in the summer.
•An increase in the capital levy that gradually grows to close the structural deficit in
those funds by 2029. This levy projection will be refined during our CIP discussions on
Sept. 2, 2025.
•HRA levy is held flat due to other revenues now going into AHTF. This levy projection will
be affirmed or altered by council during our operating budget discussion on Aug. 11,
2025.
•The EDA levy is increased by $187k in 2026 to cover ongoing costs, then held flat. This
decision can be affirmed or revised in our operating budget discussion on Aug. 11, 2025.
Page 8 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
2026 Base Budget
Revenue
The largest source of revenue for the city’s General Fund, which funds core government
services, is the property tax levy. In the 2025 budget, the property tax levy was 70 percent of
total revenue into the general fund, followed by license and permits at 8 percent and charges
for services at 6 percent.
Permit fees are generated when improvements are made to buildings in the city and are based
on the total value of the building. As discussed earlier in the report, the city is projecting
virtually flat revenues from permit fees in 2026, increasing from $3,021,942 in the 2025 budget
to $3,049,000 in the 2026 proposed budget.
Licenses are related to a variety of activities; rental licenses make up the largest single stream.
In 2026, revenue from rental licenses is projected to increase to $859,600 from $829,600 in the
2025 budget. This small increase is due to two offsetting factors. First, the number of rental
units increased slightly in 2026. Some ($13,500) of this increase was reduced in March 2025
with council’s direction to end the Relative Homestead Rental Licensing program. This policy
change is included in our base budget forecast and staff plans to bring forward the ordinance
change necessary to repeal the program in the coming months.
License and Permits
7.94%
Charges for Services
6.14%Miscellaneous Revenue
2.20%
Fines and Forfeitures
0.04%
State Revenues
4.70%
Other Financing Sources
4.65%
Non-State/Non-Federal
Revenues Aid/Grants
2.03%
Use of Fund Balance
1.09%
Federal Revenues
0.61%Sale of Fixed
Assets/Surplus
equipment, Insurance
Recovery and Judgment
0.01%
Property Tax
70.60%
Revenue Sources to the General Fund
License and Permits
Charges for Services
Miscellaneous Revenue
Fines and Forfeitures
State Revenues
Other Financing Sources
Non-State/Non-Federal
Revenues Aid/Grants
Use of Fund Balance
Page 9 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
Charges for Service revenue, largely fees related to recreation programs or rental revenue, are
projected to increase by 2.2 percent from the 2025 budget. This reflects a continuation of the
strong demand these programs experience and small, inflationary adjustments to fee amounts
going into 2026. The 2026 fee schedule will be adopted by council in the late summer and fall.
Revenues for utility rates are not included in this report because staff will be doing an analysis
of required rates later in the year, after the Capital Improvement Plan is updated, to include the
results of the watermain risk analysis. When staff has updated the capital expenses, rates will
be updated to cover costs and maintain a healthy fund balance.
Spending
The 2026 proposed budget includes general salary adjustments for all employees; some will be
known because they are included in signed contracts, and some will be estimated using
historical trends. In 2026, these increases are expected to be in line with historical trends. The
city will be in the third year of its contracts for providers of medical, dental, long-term disability
and life insurance. Staff will know more about the new rates in September 2025, but we already
know that a larger than average increase in 2026 will be needed for employee benefits. The
maximum increase for these benefits is set by contract at 11%. Due to some larger claims in
2025 and other inflationary pressures, staff are budgeting for an 11% increase.
One new component of the city’s personnel budget is a new state payroll tax to fund the Paid
Family and Medical Leave program that will launch in 2026. The state has set this tax at 0.88%
of total payroll and has allowed cities to split the cost of the tax 50/50 with employees. The
proposed base budget includes that scenario with the city paying 0.44% of total wages to the
state via this new tax. In 2026, the total tax paid by the city will be just under $150,000, with
the additional $150,000 being paid directly by employees themselves. This cost has been
included in the budget as a placeholder while staff assess both the state program, private
options or administering the program internally. As of the writing of this report, the options
available to the city are:
•Paying the state tax and using the state agency to administer the leave program.
•Provide benefits that meet or exceed the state plan on our own, or through purchasing
a private insurance plan.
Now that the State Legislative session has come to a close without changes to the Paid Family
and Medical leave program, staff expects more details will be released on how to comply with
this new program. Staff will bring forward a recommendation at the Aug. 11, 2025 city council
meeting for discussion and direction.
The Employee Benefits Fund is used to account for payments to external vendors to provide
insurance and other benefits to current employees and former employees.
•Current employees: Health insurance, dental insurance and pension expenses are paid
out of this fund and backfilled through charges to funds that budget for employee
personnel costs, leaving a balance of $0 at the end of the year. In addition, this fund
pays for tuition reimbursements to employees and other consulting fees related to our
insurance and pension plans.
Page 10 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
•Former employees: The fund also pays for benefits owed to non-current employees. For
those costs, including health and dental insurance for separated employees on COBRA
insurance, there is no other source of revenue aside from the property tax levy.
Historically, the levy for this fund has stayed flat at $200,000 but has required infusions of cash
every few years to maintain a positive fund balance. Staff has analyzed the spending in that
fund and determined that expenses are consistently closer to $400,000. Staff is recommending
the levy into the Employee Benefits fund increase from $200,000 to $400,000 in 2026 and
remain at an ongoing higher level instead of relying on periodic balance transfers.
Earlier in the year, the city assessor presented to council the annual assessment of property
values and tax capacity in the city. These values will determine how the budgeted levy for 2026
is distributed amongst property taxpayers.
Locally, the overall market-value in St. Louis Park is only up 1%; with residential gaining 2% and
commercial/office space dropping by 8%. Many communities are seeing the same - if not much
larger - changes in the property values of commercial/office space. This will mean a slight shift
in the tax burden onto residential property owners, so the adopted levy increase will be felt at
the rate of increase adopted by most homeowners in St. Louis Park.
Changes to Property Tax Levy
Historically, the city has handled budgeting for internal services in a variety of ways. After
reaching out to our auditor for best practices, staff recommends moving internal services into a
“chargeback” model. Essentially, chargebacks are an internal tool that bills departments for the
internal services they use. While a technical change, the model better accounts for the full
picture of costs to run each department/function of the city and increases internal
accountability. It also allows the city to simplify its General Levy.
Beginning in the 2026 budget, staff recommends beginning chargebacks for internal services
and moving the IT Replacement Fund and Municipal Building Fund levies into the general fund.
The chart below reflects how different pieces of the levy will be discussed and presented in city
council discussions.
Current components of the levy Proposed components of the 2026 levy
General Fund
General Fund (now funding IT and municipal
building projects through department level
charge backs)
Capital Replacement Fund - IT
Capital Replacement Fund - Municipal
Buildings
Park Improvement Fund Park Improvement Fund
Employee Benefits Fund Employee Benefits Fund
Debt Service Levy Debt Service Levy
HRA Levy HRA Levy
EDA Levy EDA Levy
Page 11 Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 1)
Title: Base budget and background
This will not have any impact on the levy information residents receive. They will still see a city
levy, an HRA levy and an EDA levy.
Next steps: Staff will continue to analyze and refine the proposed base budget and begin
internal decision making around new proposals for 2026. The next step for council in the 2026
budget process will be on Aug. 11, 2025, when finance staff will present the recommended
operating changes and associated levy impacts. In the interim, finance staff and our external
auditors will present the annual financial reports for 2024 on July 14, 2025.
Meeting: Special study session
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: Proposed study session topic – planning for a community center
Recommended action: City council and city manager review the proposed agenda topic and
determine the next steps.
Policy consideration: Does the city council want to move forward with consideration of the
proposed topic at a future study session?
Summary: Council Members Budd, Farris and Rog submitted a proposed agenda topic related
to planning for a community center. City staff provided a high-level analysis of the request,
including an option to include time in the 2026 CIP process to discuss whether a community
center should be explored. The next step is for the council to decide, as a group, if they want to
move forward with additional discussion of the topic.
Financial or budget considerations: The staff analysis outlines financial and budget
considerations.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Topic proposal and staff analysis
Prepared by: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
City Council
Study Session Topic Proposal
Request Form
Date:
Prepared by:
Proposed agenda topic:
Brief description of topic (no more than 200 words):
How does this topic align with the council's strategic priorities?
If it does not, why should the council consider the topic?:
If approved, would an advisory board/commission review this proposal? If so, select up to two of the options below:
☐ESC ☐PRAC ☐PAC ☐HRC ☐CTAC ☐NONE
** Please email completed forms to Kim Keller and Melissa Kennedy.
Special study session meeting of Nune Pbd rpr: nAtem Mos rc
Title( Proposed study session topic e planning for a community center Page 2
City Council
Study Session Topic Proposal
Staff Analysis
Date: May 6, 2025
Prepared by: Cindy Walsh
Proposed agenda topic: Planning for a Community Center
Staff analysis of request: (Please provide a high-level review of the proposed topic.
Focus on key points, facts, impact, legal and/or future considerations .)
Due to currently available information, staff is best able to complete this analysis from a
financial perspective. Should council decide that the city’s financial plan can and should
accommodate the addition of this project, staff would also suggest completing an
analysis of the needs of the community (e.g. Are community needs being met
elsewhere? Are there unmet community needs? What are the racial equity impacts of
this decision?) to help inform the final decision-making process.
Background: A community center was last talked about in 2014. The process began with
a task force and proceeded to the point of schematic design. The location was planned
to be attached to the Rec Center. It expanded into the existing parking lot and the edge
of Wolfe Park. To accommodate the parking needs, a parking ramp was necessary. If the
project would have proceeded into construction, the estimated cost was $41 Million (in
2014 dollars). The project included an indoor pool, workout area, exercise rooms,
walking track and community gathering spaces.
Cindy called the architect who designed the project to inquire about an updated cost
estimate. For construction in today’s dollars (2025), the estimated project is $64-$70
million. If the council provided direction to continue with design and construction, the
soonest construction could begin is 2027. The cost estimate for 2027 is estimated to be
$85 million. All estimates are based on inflation, do not consider any additional costs
due to tariffs and assume the project design that was envisioned in 2014. As context,
the City of Bloomington is currently in process of building a community center with a
budget of $101 million dollars.
Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 2)
Title: Proposed study session topic - planning for a community center Page 3
A community center would also require year-round staffing, programming and building
maintenance. These would be ongoing costs, in addition to the financing of the initial
building construction.
Potential sources of funding for a project like this would include the list below with the
associated impact:
Source Impact on residents
Bond proceeds Levy would increase to cover debt payments over the life of
the debt. A bond of $50M would cost $2M annually for 20
years at a 5 percent interest rate, at a very high-level
estimate.
User fees User fees could defray the levy impact of a bond sale but may
work against the goal of having a facility that is accessible to
all regardless of income.
Franchise fees Franchise fees are currently used to support pavement
maintenance each year, but they are a flexible source of
revenue. Franchise fees could be increased or diverted to
cover the costs of other capital projects, but it would result in
less road improvement work or increased fees on all utility
customers.
State grant funds State bonding dollars will likely require a 50% match in local
funds. An analysis would need to be done to determine if
other similar amenities have been funded by state bonding
dollars in recent years – that would make the state unlikely to
invest in additional local amenities.
Federal grant funds Uncertain whether a project like this would be eligible for
federal earmarks given the length of time needed to complete
a building project. Local taxes would not be impacted by a
federal grant, only by a match requirement.
Local option sales
tax
Would increase the tax on sales in St. Louis Park. State law
may not permit its use on a project like a community center if
similar amenities already exist within the region. Local option
sales tax is not currently available to St. Louis Park due to
legislation passed in 2023. Draft legislation on future uses of
local option sales tax is being developed and considered by
the State; if passed, staff would need to review it to see if our
project would be eligible.
In addition to the above constraints on various financing options, other large capital
projects will impact the feasibility of building a community center. A potential new build
or major renovation of the police department and/or city hall facilities in the next 5-10
years would be using similar sources as those listed above and would further increase
Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 2)
Title: Proposed study session topic - planning for a community center Page 4
costs for taxpayers. The term for bonds to finance projects of this size is likely to be 20
years or more.
At council request, staff is putting together a facility matrix identifying the condition of
our existing facilities to help map out future large replacement and renovations of
existing buildings. Instead of a stand-alone study session on this topic, staff suggests
that – if council wants to have this discussion – it happens in the context of other facility
needs and as part of the 2026 CIP process.
Resources required: (Include relevant information such as cost, staffing, capacity)
In addition to the construction costs, additional full-time and seasonal staff would be
required to operate and maintain the community center.
Other dependencies: (Include relevant information that could impact this proposal,
such as: other agencies/jurisdictions, a pending policy discussion or action by council on
related item, additional research that may be required to answer pending questions )
If the council would like to continue discussions on a community center, staff would
need direction to hire an architect and construction management firm. Currently, none
of those costs are included in our CIP.
Projected timeline: (Given current business levels and capacity, what is the projected
timeline for staff to be able to work on and implement? If this was to be done now,
what would the impact be on other projects and/or standard line of business?)
Staff can include time in the 2026 CIP process to discuss whether a community center
should be explored. If, at that point, the council wants to pursue the project, staff from
facilities, finance, REI and engagement would collaborate to determine a recommended
process that considers staff capacity and best practices.
Recommended disposition: (select one)
Study session discussion
Council action at regular meeting
Written report
X Include with another item already planned/scheduled (2026 CIP)
Meeting with requesting councilmember(s)
Handle offline
Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 2)
Title: Proposed study session topic - planning for a community center Page 5
Planning for a Community Center – SS form presentation to council Before we ask council to include a community center in the CIP process, we believe the following steps should be taken: A Needs Analysis should be done with a visioning element – for example, Is it focused on youth? Or multigenerational? How do we put equity and access at the heart of this plan? Does it specifically serve the western or high rental populations of the city? What is currently offered, and where are the gaps? (E.g. ROC, Aquatic Ctr, Parks &Rec teams/structured classes, reciprocity with other cities) Essential gathering space for the community Ask youth and populations experiencing the current gap for their input We believe we should think outside the box – not just new construction – not just another Marsh or Williston. For example, Roller Garden like replacement? Field House reusing Kohls at Knollwood? Options for the city leasing gyms from schools? Open basketball, sewing clubs/classes, community kitchen, teen center, Partner with YMCA or other non-city entities (church space?) Outdoor & indoor included(sliding hill, skateboard park) We should also explore what has been tried, with what results: Bickham Court Club House Ainsworth Basketball with the Cops Thursday The Nest Hopkins/Minnetonka Depot project Parks & Rec outreach efforts (or how do they measure success?) We believe the first step is to dedicate funds in 2026 for a needs analysis. We also see an opportunity to use information from Vision 4.0 to inform this process.
Special study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 2) Title: Proposed study session topic - planning for a community center Page 6
Meeting: Special study session
Meeting date: June 16, 2025
Written report: 3
Executive summary
Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up
Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to summarize the outcomes of the
recent discussions within the Environmental Stewardship system study sessions.
Policy consideration: None at this time.
Summary: On May 19 and June 9, 2025, the council held a series of discussions focused on
advancing the city’s strategic priority related to environmental stewardship. The council’s
discussions focused primarily on Climate Action Plan -related work within the sustainability
division. Staff also provided the council with written reports to provide information on the
numerous activities, programs and policies underway across departments to further climate
goals and support environmental stewardship. This report serves as a summary of all the
discussions and reports and includes the council direction provided.
Financial or budget considerations: Funds are budgeted in the 2025 budgets for a variety of
programs related to environmental stewardship. Should the council desire a change in work,
additional resources may be required.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Emily Ziring, sustainability manager
Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up
Discussion
Background:
This system included study sessions primarily focused on buildings and energy. Reports on
these topics were considered and discussed by the city council, and where appropriate,
direction on future expectations and outcomes was provided to staff for implementation. A
summary of the topics covered in this system includes:
Meeting subject: Environmental stewardship system kick-off
Date: 5/19/2025
Overview: The council was provided with a written report about environmental stewardship in
St. Louis Park, including an overview of the staff whose work focuses on environmental issues,
the past and future of the Climate Action Plan, and the Climate Investment Fund. Staff also
described the rollbacks and obstacles to climate work at the federal and state levels, and the
importance of continuing to focus on climate action locally. The topics proposed for study
throughout the system included current programs and offered opportunities, identified by both
council and staff, for expansion or adjustment where applicable.
Outcomes: No questions or comments were received.
Meeting subject: Participation in the US Department of Energy Better Climate Challenge
Date: 5/19/2025
Overview: The council was provided with a written report explaining the city’s decision to
participate in the US Department of Energy Better Climate Challenge and the benefits to
partnership in the program. Launched in 2022, the Better Climate Challenge is a partnership
program that helps organizations set a 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for their
internal operations and a detailed plan to reach it within ten (10) years.
Outcomes: No questions or comments were received.
Meeting subject: Climate Action Plan cost update
Date: 6/9/2025
Overview: Staff presented on the history of the Climate Investment Fund, which was created in
2021 to encourage property owners to participate in climate action (specifically goals around
building energy efficiency, building electrification and renewable energy). Use of the fund was
expanded in 2023 to include tree planting and treatment programs as well as the Depave SLP
program. With four years of program history to examine, staff now has an understanding of the
level of community demand for climate action incentive programs. At the current level of
demand, staff anticipate that the CIF will be fully depleted by year-end 2026 and asked whether
council wanted to budget more funds for climate action activities.
Outcomes: The council expressed support for continuing to fund climate action activities. There
were questions to make sure staff are tracking the difference between the aspirational goals
(and commensurately needed dollars) and the demand in the community. The council
expressed interest in making sure that funding is sustainable and continually right -sized to
demand.
Meeting subject: Planning for Climate Action Plan update
Date: 6/9/2025
Overview: The council was provided with a written report about plans to amend the 2018
Climate Action Plan with input from the environment and sustainability commission. Reasons to
Study session meeting of June 16, 2025 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up
amend the plan include climate wins at the state and city level, changes to technology,
incorporation of equity considerations, ability to track strategies with data, and a need to
operationalize the existing plan.
Outcomes: No questions or comments were received.
Meeting subject: Percentage of park and open space in St. Louis Park
Date: 6/9/2025
Overview: The council received a written report highlighting that St. Louis Park exceeds both
national and global averages for percentage of park and open space and recommended
standards for the amount of park and open space.
Outcomes: One council member commented that it is good to see that we are exceeding both
the benchmark and recommendation.
Next steps:
• Finance and sustainability staff will return during budget season with a recommendation
for the source, level, and frequency of replenishing the Climate Investment Fund.