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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/09/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Sept. 2, 2025 1. Call to order. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. a. Roll call. b. Pledge of allegiance. Council members present: Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda Farris, Mayor Pro Tem Paul Baudhuin Council members absent: Margaret Rog, Nadia Mohamed Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), community development director, interim building and energy director (Ms. Barton), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), associate planner (Ms. Champoux), finance director (Ms. Cruver), facilities superintendent (Mr. Eisold), public services superintendent/deputy public works director (Ms. Fisher), recreation superintendent (Ms. Friederich), police lieutenant (Mr. Hagen), fire chief (Mr. Hanlin), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), police chief (Mr. Kruelle), deputy police chief (Mr. Nadem), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott- Lerdal), communications and technology director (Ms. Smith), financial analyst (Ms. Stephens), park superintendent (Mr. Umphrey), planning manager (Mr. Walther), parks and recreation director (Mr. West), racial equity and inclusion director (Ms. Yang) Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin stated that in South Minneapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, 23 people were either injured or lost their lives at the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. Eighteen of those who were injured were children as young as six, and both of those who tragically lost their lives were children. He stated that he has a fundamental belief in “naming,” and during the moment of silence today, he asked those in attendance to reflect on Fletcher Merkel (8 years old) and Harper Moyski (10 years old). 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 (Mayor Mohamed and Council Member Rog absent). 3. Presentations. a. Proclamation observing Welcoming Week in St. Louis Park – Sept. 12-21, 2025. Council Member Dumalag read the proclamation. She shared that the proclamation welcomes immigrants and noted it is great that St. Louis Park is participating in the nation-wide organization. Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA City council meeting -2- Sept. 2, 2025 Council Member Brausen stated he supports the proclamation and stated we all need to be more welcoming and less exclusive. He stated that all are welcome in St. Louis Park. Council Member Budd stated the spirit of the proclamation is needed now more than ever and being a welcoming community is high on our priorities as a city. b. Recognition of Donations. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin thanked three residents for their donations made to St. Louis Park’s Parks and Recreation Department: • Erin Lufholm - $2,800 – for a memorial bench to be installed in Bass Lake Preserve honoring Mike Lufholm • Jeffrey Rubins - $2,800 – for a memorial bench to be installed in Fern Hill Park honoring Amy Quinn Rubins • Gretchen C.Y. Shattuck - $3,100 – for a memorial bench and tree to be installed in Oak Hill Park honoring Nick L. Young 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of Aug. 18, 2025, city council meeting It was moved by Council Member Farris, seconded by Council Member Budd, to approve the Aug. 18, 2025, city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0 (Mayor Mohamed and Council Member Rog absent). 5. Consent items. a. Approve city disbursements b. Resolution No. 25-103 accepting donations to the Parks and Recreation Department c. Approve boards and commissions appointments d. Resolution No. 25-104 rescinding permit parking at 4815 W 42 1/2 Street - Ward 2 e. Resolution No. 25-105 rescinding permit parking at 4105 Utica Avenue - Ward 2 f. Resolution No. 25-106 approving Minnesota Department of Transportation drainage easement for TH169 - Ward 4 g. Approve temporary seasonal premises amendment for The Yard House #8354 Council Member Dumalag asked to comment on consent item 5c. She thanked the staff and those who accepted positions on boards and commissions. She noted the recent robust review process of the city’s boards and commissions which encouraged more engagement to serve. She is also excited about the youth commissioners and noted that a youth commissioner will join the planning commission. Council Member Brausen commented on item 5f. He noted the easement is located in Ward 4 and Minnesota Department of Transportation will spend $3 million to reconfigure the bridge, with planning beginning this winter. Construction will begin next summer, and this, along with Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA City council meeting -3- Sept. 2, 2025 the Cedar Lake Road project in Ward 4, will be completed soon. He thanked all those involved, as well as Ward 4 residents for their patience. Council Member Brausen also commented on item 5g related to Yard House’s temporary seasonal premises to expand the restaurant’s outdoor seating area. Regarding item 5c, Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin also thanked the youth who are joining the city’s boards and commissions. He noted youth commissioners are over half of those newly appointed to their roles. The city is incredibly blessed with a strong group of youth who are engaged and want to lead. He also thanked Mr. Coleman for working on the process. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 5-0 (Mayor Mohamed and Council Member Rog absent). 6. Public hearing. a. Public hearing for first reading of ordinance adopting fees for 2026. Ms. Cruver presented the staff report. Ms. Cruver noted that each year, departments review city fees as part of the budget process. Fees are reviewed based on comparison to other cities in the metro area, changes in regulations, and to make sure city business costs are covered for providing corresponding services. When possible, staff try to stay in-line with inflation, which is currently around 3% for 2025. Most of the city’s fee increases are at or below inflation. The city council is asked to approve Appendix A items because those fees are set within the city code. Other city fees are set administratively. Ms. Cruver stated the second reading and adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2025, and if approved, the fee changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. Ms. Cruver noted total budgeted capital spending in utility funds for 2026 through 2030. She pointed out that spending includes projects recommended and designated as a result of a water main risk analysis conducted over the last year. These projects will be financed through utility fees and borrowing. Ms. Cruver stated that the city’s fees have been relatively similar over the last three years, and the recommendations for 2026 are for a 4.5% increase. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin opened the public hearing. Geoff Markham, 4100 Raleigh Ave., stated he has lived in Ward 2 since 2014. He owns and manages five apartment buildings in St. Louis Park, consisting of 46 units. Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA City council meeting -4-Sept. 2, 2025 Mr. Markham stated his family loves the city and the parks, and everything about St. Louis Park. He is addressing the fee and levy increase and believes the city, while not perfect, is successful because of the services and infrastructure it provides to the community. Mr. Markham encouraged staff and the council to use creativity to ease the financial burden on residents. He shared that his home has had an average property tax increase of 6.3% since 2001 and added he knows the proposed levy is close to 8%. He added that one of his apartment buildings has had a 5% annual increase, which equals $17 per month rent increase just to cover expenses, noting he has tried to keep annual expenses at 2%. He stated that property tax increases and fees not only affect homeowners and renters, but also diverse businesses in the city, including small businesses. He added that these fees should be thought of as increases in terms of employee hours and wages. Mr. Markham stated he reviewed the staff report and said the city needs to be well-funded to support the infrastructure, however, the burden of financial responsibility should not lie solely on residents. He encouraged the council to do its part in looking to reduce expenses. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin closed the public hearing. Council Member Brausen stated that each year, it is difficult to make sure annual fees are adequate to provide the necessary services in the city. He stated the fee schedule fairly reflects the cost of city services and provides the funding necessary to support the city’s infrastructure. He is supportive of the fees. Council Member Dumalag added her thanks to the staff on their presentation, and thanked Mr. Markham for his comments as well. She added that some of the eliminations make sense, such as the fees relating to licensing THC and cannabis. She noted that annual fees are not an opportunity for the city to make money; fees are set to recover the costs of delivering public services. She recalled past council discussions on the topic of solid waste fees. At that time, a request for proposals was presented and the effort was made to bundle services to make operations the most cost-effective. Council Member Dumalag asked staff to include tax levy impacts to renters and to small businesses when presenting to the council for further discussions on the levy. She stated that she will support the proposed fees. Council Member Budd added that she is also supportive of the fees and appreciated Mr. Markham’s comments, especially since he reflects the voices of many in the city. The scrutiny on fees is merited. She confirmed that the city council shares the goal of keeping property taxes as reasonable as possible, and one way to do that is through the fees. Some fee increases are due to state statute, and some are due to construction material and labor increases. Council Member Farris added that St. Louis Park is a marvelous place to live, and the city council must keep doing what is necessary to make it so. She stated she will support the proposed fees. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin presented Council Member Rog’s comments: Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA City council meeting -5- Sept. 2, 2025 Council Member Rog thanked everyone for attending tonight’s meeting. She noted the use of picnic tables and community building events and neighborhood parks. Council Member Rog observed that there is no fee increase on picnic tables, instead, the fee is removed because the service of providing picnic tables to neighborhood groups is being removed. Council Member Rog stated the rationale provided for eliminating the service is that neighborhood organizations may not meet the criteria for receiving a reduced or waived fee. She added that the service should be eliminated, as no group may legally qualify. Since the city attorney's role is to advise the council and the council has not had the opportunity to discuss the city attorney's advice and make a determination, she feels the decision to eliminate such a valued resource in neighborhoods is premature. She intends to request time on the council’s calendar to discuss the issue further. There is an opportunity for a broader discussion around the legalities and practicalities of the service of providing picnic tables to neighborhood groups. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin stated he is in favor of the proposed fees but it is a difficult decision. He expressed agreement with Council Member Rog’s comments for a broader discussion around the topic of providing picnic tables to neighborhood groups as a service. Council Member Budd asked if there is a way to remove a single item from the proposed fees. Mr. Mattick stated that what is before the council is staff’s recommendations. The council can review and nuance or remove line items before the second reading and vote. In response to Council Member Rog’s comments, Mr. Mattick clarified that he is not of the opinion that fees cannot be waived for picnic tables for neighborhood groups. He noted that one of the tenants of government is for everyone to be treated the same. If there is a decision to waive fees for one group, it should be waived for others and there also needs to be rationale behind the decision. Mr. Mattick referred to public purpose and three basic ideas from Minnesota state statute. First, as the council distinguishes one group from another, the council cannot charge one group and not another. Secondly, the council needs to distinguish its reasons for designating and charging one group but not another. There needs to be a discussion on the distinction between different groups of individuals while having a rational basis that the groups are serving a legitimate government interest. The third idea Mr. Mattick referenced is that the distinction between groups cannot be based on suspect criteria. There should be objective, specific criteria so that staff can follow through fairly and consistently. He encouraged the council to think beyond a single request and understand the broader circumstances as to why and how the proposal satisfies a legitimate government interest. Council Member Budd stated her ward has many neighborhood groups, and she is a strong proponent of them. Neighborhood groups and boards and commissions are significantly different from groups such as faith-based groups, and she would like to discuss the topic further with the council. She added that neighborhood groups meet the criteria of the city’s strategic priorities. Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA City council meeting -6- Sept. 2, 2025 Ms. Keller stated that as city staff worked to apply the analysis the city attorney presented, they created a list of community organizations that have a similar impact on the community. There had been a resident and a non-resident rate, which was restricted in years past due to capacity to fulfill requests. From an operational standpoint, staff would not have the capacity to accommodate the number of eligible requests. If council were interested in creating the rationale, she asked them to consider making the criteria as limited as possible. This comes from an operational standpoint because staff and the park and recreation staff have real concerns about the capacity to meet requests. Ms. Keller gave the example of neighborhood groups seeking equipment use for National Night Out, when many neighborhood organizations could be asking for a waiver of fees. Staff simply could not accommodate the probable number of requests, much less for other community groups. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the first reading of the ordinance adopting fees for 2026 and set the second reading for Sept. 15, 2025. The motion passed 5-0 (Mayor Mohamed and Council Member Rog absent). 7. Regular business. a. Resolutions authorizing Knollwood Chipotle comprehensive plan amendment and conditional use permits – Ward 3. Ms. Champoux presented the staff report. Council Member Budd stated she would like to table these action items due to the absence of two council members this evening. Council Member Brausen shared he also has concerns about the project. He stated he is opposed to allowing drive-throughs in the city and noted this project involves a comprehensive plan amendment. To him, it feels like the city is trying to squeeze in every possible project at Knollwood Mall, and this type of facility feels contrary to the city’s anti-idling efforts. He realizes that drive-through restaurants are convenient and many people like them, but he feels the negatives of polluting the environment from emissions outweigh the convenience. He also noted one member of the planning commission had reservations about safety at the site, and he shares those concerns. He agreed that the full council should be in attendance when discussing and deciding on this item. It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to table consideration of this item to Oct. 6, 2025. The motion passed 5-0 (Mayor Mohamed and Council Member Rog absent). 8. Communications and announcements. Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA City council meeting -7- Sept. 2, 2025 Ms. Keller noted on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, “Movies in the Park” takes place at Aquila Park. She added that the city’s Art Fair is on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC) and noted the event is held in partnership with Friends of the Arts. Ms. Keller pointed out that a clean-up day is scheduled on Sept. 13 and 19, 2025, with a paper shredding event. Sept. 18, 2025, is the Climate Action Academy education session at Lenox Center. Council Member Farris thanked the St. Louis Park Police Department for the Basketball in the Park program, which ended on Aug. 28, 2025. She stated the police officers did an amazing job with a party on the last day of the program. Everyone had a good time, including children receiving haircuts and school supplies in preparation for the upcoming school year. Council Member Farris shared that she has observed the program’s positive impact on relationships between the police department and residents. She thanked the department for bringing the community together with the program. Mayor Pro Tem Baudhuin added that students in St. Louis Park returned to school today, and students attending Benilde-St. Margaret’s Preparatory School returned last week. He asked all to be careful and watch out for school buses and children. He also asked parents to be patient and loving toward teachers who may have additional anxiety this year. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor Docusign Envelope ID: F560D01B-4FFF-4EB9-B167-475CBAC4ADBA