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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/08/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Aug. 4, 2025 1. Call to order. Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. a. Roll call b. Pledge of allegiance Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag Council members absent: Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Ms. Asani), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh) recreation supervisor (Ms. Abernathy), social media specialist (Mr. Byers), recreation superintendent (Ms. Friederich), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal), communications and technology director (Ms. Smith), parks and recreation director (Mr. West), communication manager (Mr. Sandell) Guests: Jamie Neldner, Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association; John Lyksett, Minnesota Association of Government Communicators; Playground Junior Leaders and their families 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 5-0 (Council Members Farris and Rog absent). 3. Presentations. a. Recognition of junior playground leaders Ms. Abernathy recognized the junior leaders for their service over the summer. She noted that 46 youth volunteers served in the playgroup junior leader program this summer, collectively volunteering for over 1,900 hours. She said that staff strives to include youth of all backgrounds and remove barriers to participation. Ms. Abernathy stated that the junior leaders demonstrate responsibility, positive attitudes and a willingness to spend part of their summer volunteering their time at a neighborhood park. While volunteering in parks and recreation programs, they become role models for participants and are excellent helpers to the full-time staff leaders. Mayor Mohamed presented the junior leaders with recognition certificates. Docusign Envelope ID: 16E6A00F-F763-468E-AFFE-478D8AF7D24C City council meeting - 2 - Aug. 4, 2025 Council Member Baudhuin noted the importance of being involved in one’s neighborhood. He observed how these students volunteering at a young age is wonderful and how their leadership makes a real impact on creating a positive world. He thanked them for their service and work, adding that such participation can lead to many positive things and a lifetime of service, both in the city and worldwide. Council Member Dumalag added her thanks to the youth leaders for their volunteer work over the past summer at neighborhood parks. She shared that she and her son have seen firsthand the work that the students do, and stated they are community leaders. She thanked them for paying it forward. Council Member Budd stated she had the opportunity to volunteer with some of the youth leaders and noted she was inspired to see how the younger children wanted to work with the junior leaders. She thanked them for their work. Council Member Brausen added his thanks and noted his appreciation for those youth leaders from St. Louis Park, as well as those who may live in other communities. Mayor Mohamed expressed gratitude to the junior leaders, as well as their parents, for raising such tremendous leaders. She thanked the junior leaders for sharing their time with the city. b. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Award of Excellence for Share Your Story Mr. Neldner presented the Parks and Recreation Department with an Award of Excellence. He noted that each year, the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) recognizes agencies or organizations in Minnesota that set a standard of excellence in recreation, parks and leisure services. Over the last year, 37 submissions for the award of excellence were received. This year, the City of St. Louis Park was chosen to receive the Award of Excellence for the Share Your Story initiative. Mayor Mohamed thanked staff for their work and congratulated them on their awards on behalf of the city council. c. Minnesota Association of Government Communicators Northern Lights Awards Presentation Mr. Lyksett, Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC), presented communications staff with two MAGC Northern Lights Awards. St. Louis Park communications staff received bronze awards in the “Best Use of Humor” category for the “On a Roll - Internship Recruitment Campaign” and in the “Publications (Electronic or Print)” category for the city’s “Parks and Recreation Activity Catalog”.  Mayor Mohamed congratulated the communications staff on their awards and thanked them for their ongoing support and work in the city. d. Proclamation observing National Purple Heart Day Docusign Envelope ID: 16E6A00F-F763-468E-AFFE-478D8AF7D24C City council meeting - 3 - Aug. 4, 2025 Council Member Brausen read the proclamation observing National Purple Heart Day on Aug. 7, 2025, in St. Louis Park. Council Member Brausen noted it is a difficult time to be a veteran in our country, and we must support our veterans. He is glad the city is taking this action and added the city has programs for support and services for veterans; he encouraged veterans to access these programs in times of struggle. Council Member Budd spoke about those who have veterans in their lives and care about them. She noted there is information in the council agenda packet detailing five reasons why federal cuts are especially hard-hitting for veterans. She noted she did not know how the reductions are impacting veterans, but she encouraged everyone to read the information and become familiar with the ways veterans are being impacted. e. Recognition of Donations Mayor Mohamed noted a donation from nVent for 30 trees to be provided, planted and watered by Tree Trust in Wolfe Park. The donated trees are in honor of Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband, Mark Hortman. Mayor Mohamed stated Representative Hortman’s family had asked for trees to be planted in honor of Melissa and Mark, and she is proud that the city and donors are responding to this request. She thanked nVent for the donation. Council Member Dumalag added her thanks as well. She noted that nVent is located in St. Louis Park. They have donated trees to Wolfe Park, which is a very visible and well-traveled park within the city. Those who visit the Rec Center will also be able to enjoy these trees and added that the recognition is very fitting and an honor. She stated that residents will think about the Hortmans while enjoying the shade and respite from these trees. Council Member Budd noted that Mark Hortman was an employee of nVent and it is important to recognize that the company has been a good member of the community. She thanked nVent for their donation. 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of June 16, 2025, special study session c. Minutes of July 7, 2025, special study session d. Minutes of July 21, 2025, city council meeting It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the June 16, 2025, special study session minutes, the July 7, 2025, special study session minutes, and the July 21, 2025, city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0 (Council Members Farris and Rog absent). b. Minutes of July 7, 2025, city council meeting Docusign Envelope ID: 16E6A00F-F763-468E-AFFE-478D8AF7D24C City council meeting - 4 - Aug. 4, 2025 Council Member Budd requested a revision to page 6, to state “…the criteria within the process is so important it should be codified.” Council Member Budd also noted on page 6 that she did not oppose the motion and the minutes should be corrected to state “Council Member Brausen was opposed, along with Mayor Mohamed and Council Members Farris and Baudhuin; and Council Member Dumalag absent.” It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the July 7, 2025, city council meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 5-0 (Council Members Farris and Rog absent). 5. Consent items. a. Approve city disbursements b. Resolution No. 25-080 accepting donation to the parks and recreation department c. Resolution No. 25-081 providing for the sale of $850,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2025A d. Resolution No. 25-082 accepting a donation from Minnesota Public Employer Labor Relations Association for Rita Vorpahl to attend the 2025 conference e. Resolution No. 25-083 authorizing submission of a grant application to the League of Minnesota Cities grant navigator program f. Resolution No. 25-084 authorizing grant application for DWI and Traffic Safety Police Officer Program g. Approve Arrive + Thrive Gateway Plans - Wards 1, 2 and 3 h. Approve bid for 2025 Sanitary Sewer Mainline Rehabilitation project (4025-3000) i. Resolution No. 25-085 authorizing parking restrictions in Walker Lake public parking areas - Ward 1 Council Member Budd commented on consent item 5e. She noted the program is related to the city’s sanitary sewer structure. She is highly encouraged to see the city taking this step, adding the city infrastructure is easy to overlook until something happens. The city is taking proactive steps to protect the watershed; the implications relating to the watershed are critical. Council Member Dumalag commented on consent item 5g. She thanked staff and residents who participated in the Arrive + Thrive Gateway Plan. She stated that she and Council Member Budd engaged in a walking tour in Ward 2, which was a great way to meet neighbors and talk about what residents would like to see happen in their neighborhoods. The process of resident engagement has been lengthy, and she thanked staff for their work on the plans. Council Member Brausen commented on consent item 5c, noting the agenda provides the resolution for the sale of $850,000 in general obligation utility revenue bonds series 2025, and the original amount in the proposed resolution before the council looks like the original aggregate principal amount borrowing of $915,000. Council Member Brausen noted he is glad to see the city’s AAA bond rating was effective again on the interest rate of 3.288% to pay for Docusign Envelope ID: 16E6A00F-F763-468E-AFFE-478D8AF7D24C City council meeting - 5 - Aug. 4, 2025 necessary utility work. He noted that the AAA bond rating allows the city to deposit more than the preliminary bond sale amount and asked that the record reflect this. He thanked the finance team and bond council for their work. Council Member Brausen added that he reviewed all the disbursements thoroughly and noticed entries that indicate staff’s thoroughness when balancing the city’s accounts. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 5-0 (Council Members Farris and Rog absent). 6. Public hearing. a. New liquor license – TMS Bravo, LLC dba Westside Wine Bar & Cheese Market Ms. Scott-Lerdal presented the staff report. Ms. Scott-Lerdal stated the city received an application from TMS Bravo, LLC dba Westside Wine Bar & Cheese Market, for on-sale 3.2% and on-sale wine liquor licenses at the premises located at 8020 Minnetonka Boulevard. The premises will consist of approximately 786 square feet with an indoor-only seating capacity of 26. Mr. Scott-Lerdal stated that Tom Schoenberger is the sole owner and store manager. Mr. Schoenberger also holds an off-sale intoxicating liquor license for TMS Alpha, LLC dba Westside Wine & Spirits. The businesses hold unique Minnesota Tax IDs per Minnesota State Statute Chapter 240A regarding liquor licensing. The application also meets the requirements of the zoning and building divisions. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Budd, to approve the application from TMS Bravo, LLC dba Westside Wine Bar & Cheese Market for on-sale 3.2% and on-sale wine liquor licenses. The motion passed 5-0 (Council Members Farris and Rog absent). 7. Regular business – none. 8. Communications and announcements. Ms. Keller noted that Aug. 5, 2025, is National Night Out, and all are encouraged to enjoy the evening with friends and family. In St. Louis Park, there are over 130 gatherings planned, and pointed out there is an interactive map on the city website to show which blocks are registered and when they will be meeting. 9. Adjournment. Docusign Envelope ID: 16E6A00F-F763-468E-AFFE-478D8AF7D24C City council meeting - 6 - Aug. 4, 2025 The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor Docusign Envelope ID: 16E6A00F-F763-468E-AFFE-478D8AF7D24C