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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/08/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular/OfSt. Louis Park Official minutes M I N N E 5 0 T A City council meeting E%PcY;onc LIfE in fh& Nark St. Louis Park, Minnesota August 6, 2018 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmember absent: Tim Brausen Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Planner (Ms. Monson), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), Sr. Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations 2a. Playground junior leader recognition Recreation Coordinator Abernathy noted there are 40 youth volunteers who have completed this program over the summer and collectively they have volunteered over 1500 hours. Mayor Spano recognized and congratulated the volunteers, giving them each a certificate, and stating this is a great program staffed by young people in our community. 2b. 41h Annual SLP Harvest Festival Proclamation Mayor Spano presented a resolution and proclamation to Rachel Haen, Aquila Theater Arts Director; Lindsey Prestholdt, SLP Seeds Youth Board Member; Laura Nygren, Oak Park Village Garden Captain, Julie Rappaport, Seeds Founder; Lynda Enright, District School Nutrition Advisory Committee member, which noted the 4th Annual Harvest Festival dates of August 23 and 24, 2018. Ms. Haen explained how the theatre in the park at Oak Park Village was transformative for the Eastern African families who live there. She pointed out how gardening is a universal language which resonates with all people. City Council Meeting -2- August 6, 2018 Ms. Prestholdt, a recent St. Louis Park high school graduate who is in the Seeds Group, noted the positive impact of this program. She asked the council to consider discussing a USDA grant application to support health and food equity at a September study session. Ms. Nygren explained how the gardening program at Oak Park Village has integrated families and brought folks closer. She stated it has had a huge impact and changed the community. She also noted how having these gardens has helped her personally with health issues, adding that organic fruits and vegetables make a difference. 2c. Recognition of donations Mayor Spano announced the following donations and expressed thanks and appreciation on behalf of the council: • Cub Foods Knollwood - $200 gift card to the fire department open house. • Cub Foods West End - $25 gift card to the fire department open house. • Costco - $25 gift card to the fire department open house. • Northland Aluminum Products - $300 check to the fire department open house. • Park Tavern - $200 to the penny carnival held at the ROC on July 20, 2018. Mayor Spano thanked all those who donated, adding that Phil Weber of Park Tavern is always donating to various causes within the city, and it is much appreciated. 3. Approval of minutes 3a. City council study session minutes May 29, 2018 Councilmember Rog noted the correct spelling of a name on page 1, paragraph 5, which should read, Marsha Partington. Councilmember Harris left the meeting at 7:55 p.m. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes of May 29, 2018, as amended. The motion passed 5-0. 3b. City council special study session minutes June 4, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the City Council Special Study Session Minutes of June 4, 2018 as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 3c. City council minutes June 4, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2018, as presented. City Council Meeting -3- August 6, 2018 The motion passed 5-0. 3d. City council study session minutes June 11, 2018 Councilmember Mavity noted on page 3, where she refers to the May 2111 minutes, it should read, "Councilmember Mavity recused herself and added she is very much involved in traffic studies in this surrounding area." It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the City Council Study Session Minutes of June 11, 2018, as amended. The motion passed 5-0. 3e. City council special study session minutes June 18, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2018, as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 3f. City council minutes June 18, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2018, as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 3g. City council study session minutes lune 25, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the City Council Study Session Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2018, as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for period of June 30, through July 30, 2018. 4b. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2540-18 modifying conditions applied to breweries and allowing outdoor seating with food and beverage service in industrial zoning districts as an accessory use, and to approve the ordinance summary for publication. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 18-111 accepting donations to the fire department. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 18-112 electing not to waive the statutory tort limits for liability insurance. 4e. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No.2541-18 vacating right of way and to approve the ordinance summary for publication. City Council Meeting -4- August 6, 2018 4f. Designate G.L. Contracting Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $641,997.55 for the Utica Avenue trail - Project No. 4017-2000D. 4g. Approve a temporary on -sale intoxicating liquor license for Church of the Holy Family at 5900 West Lake Street for their event to be held on September 8, 2018. 4h. Approve an extension until August 15, 2019 to record the final plat for Arlington Row Apartment East and Arlington Row Apartment West. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 18-113 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Park Tavern Bowling and Entertainment Center in the amount of $200 to be used toward the penny carnival held at the ROC on July 20, 2018. 4j. Approve for filing telecommunications advisory commission meeting minutes of May 9, 2018. Councilmember Rog requested that Consent Calendar item 4f be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8d. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to move Consent Calendar item 4f to the Regular Agenda as item 8d; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 5-0. Councilmember Harris returned to the meeting at 8:05 p.m. 5. Boards and commissions - none 6. Public hearings 6a. JPG Corporation dba Liquor Boy—off—sale intoxicating liquor license Ms. Carrillo Perez presented the staff report, explaining that the existing store had been purchased by a new owner. She stated the new owner did not intend to change the operation or the name of the store. A background investigation was completed and nothing was found that would warrant denial of the license. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Hallfin stated this is required due to a transfer of ownership of the liquor store. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the application from JPG Corporation dba Liquor Boy for an off -sale intoxicating liquor license for the premises located at 5620 Cedar Lake Road. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -5- August 6, 2018 Requests, petitions, and communications from the public — none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. Second reading of ordinance vacating portions of drainage and utility easements — 4400 & 4424 Excelsior Blvd and 3743 Monterey Drive. Ordinance No. 2539-18. Ms. Monson presented the staff report. Councilmember Mavity recused herself from all discussion and votes. it was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2539-18 vacating portions of drainage and utility easements for 4400 and 4424 Excelsior Blvd. and 3743 Monterey Drive and approve summary ordinance for publication. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilmember Mavity abstained). 8b. Establishment of the Bridgewater Bank Tax Increment Financing District. Resolution No. 18-114. Mr. Hunt presented the staff report. Councilmember Mavity recused herself from all discussion and votes. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt Resolution No. 18-114, approving the establishment of the Bridgewater Bank Tax Increment Financing District (a redevelopment district). The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilmember Mavity abstained). 8c. Traffic Study No. 698: Authorization of parking restrictions on Minnetonka Boulevard at Dakota Avenue. Resolution No. 18-115. Kristine Stehly with Hennepin County noted the county is planning to restripe Minnetonka Boulevard from Highway 169 to Vernon Avenue. This will include adding left turn lanes at select intersections, enhancing the bike lanes, installing bike safe catch basins, bike signage, bike detection at traffic signals, and flashing yellow arrows at Dakota Avenue. Ms. Stehly noted the project requires the current parking on the northwest corner of Minnetonka Boulevard at Dakota Avenue to be restricted. Planned for that location are two vehicle travel lanes, a dedicated left turn lane, and two bike lanes. There is not sufficient room in the right-of-way to accommodate these features, as well as a parking lane. City Council Meeting -6- August 6, 2018 Ms. Stehly added this work increases safety for all users of Minnetonka Boulevard at Dakota Avenue, as well as the entire corridor. She added the project is planned in anticipation of the SWLR construction as well. Councilmember Rog asked if the green crossing will be only on Texas Avenue. Ms. Stehly answered yes, because of the city's project at Texas, and also to create a cohesive look with Minnetonka Boulevard. Councilmember Rog asked if the bike detection system is reliable. Ms. Stehly stated it is proven technology; however, it is not working currently on Minnetonka Boulevard, but is working in other locations. She noted when the technology is installed, it will work. Councilmember Harris asked how the elevated bike lanes near Highway 100 and Minnetonka Boulevard will interact with the new bridge. Ms. Stehly stated there will be a multi -use trail and a crossing to the multi -use trail on the west side. Councilmember Harris stated several residents have said they are eager to have the bike facilities on Minnetonka Boulevard, as many now bike in the shoulder west of Louisiana towards Highway 169. She noted that having dedicated lanes will help public safety, adding that in one diagram, there is a connection to Three Rivers Park trail. She asked if details can be given about those facilities and how bikers will connect. Ms. Stehly stated the connection will be all on -road facilities, and bikers can take the ramp down to Cedar Lake trail. She added this bike lane is an addition, so people using the trails east and west can pick which ones to use. Councilmember Hallfin noted extra room for bike lanes on the new bridge over Highway 100, pointing out the forethought that went into this. He asked if there are any plans to continue bike lanes on the east side of Highway 100. Mr. Sullivan stated the county is still working on funding for the east side of Highway 100 to France Avenue, with increased bike and pedestrian crossings. He noted the county will be doing a crossing study this fall. Paul Carlian and Trevor Rubenstein stated they have a non-profit business at 6408 Minnetonka Boulevard. They asked if the traffic lanes are reduced from four lanes to two in front of their building, where will their customers park. They have concerns about where their customers will park, as they currently park in on -street parking locations, adding if lanes are eliminated, there will be impact to their business, as well as another business adjacent to theirs. Councilmember Rog thanked them for sharing their concerns, and wondered if there were other accommodations that could be worked on with the city for alternative parking at their business location. She added she would like to discuss this further with them, and continue the conversation about how to make this work. City Council Meeting -7- August 6, 2018 it was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 18-115, to authorize installation of parking restrictions on Minnetonka Boulevard on both sides from the west city limits to Utica Avenue and on the south side from Utica Avenue to Huntington Avenue and rescinding Resolution No. 7453, and No 02-024. The motion passed 5-0. 8d. Designate G.L. Contracting Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $641,997.55 for the Utica Avenue trail - Project No. 4017-2000D. Councilmember Rog asked for clarification on the project and costs associated with it. Mr. Sullivan stated some sections of the trail are in place, and others are not. He added this project will connect the trails all together, and resurface existing trails. Mr. Sullivan also pointed out the cost on this project did come in over budget, and explained the reasons for that, noting there are tight working restraints related to the on and off ramps involved in the construction, with a limited amount of easement to work on. He stated the contractor and sub -contractors will have multiple sequences of work, which leads to higher costs. He added the additional flasher beacon at the Highway 100 overpass, was not in the original plan, and was added later, along with an audible signal — both of which are expensive and were not in the original plan. Mr. Sullivan noted also that the fiber optic pricing, which can be done at the time of construction, was double the pricing. However, it could be done in the future in order to save on costs. Councilmember Rog stated she and others on the council are excited about this project, as it affords a safe way to get to parks and trails. She added another request would be at the west side crossing, for a flasher to help vehicles coming off the freeway to slow down, and watch for trail crossers. She proposed moving forward with the project, and approving the contract as written, and also directing staff to look into adding this additional flasher. Councilmember Miller agreed with Councilmember Rog. Councilmember Mavity asked what the cost is for an additional flasher. Mr. Sullivan stated $30-35,000, adding this cost is not included in the budget before the council tonight. He further stated staff suggests council approve the project tonight and direct staff to look into enhancing this trail crossing further. He added staff will need to understand what MnDOT is proposing and what they will allow the city to do. He noted staff will report back to council on this. City Council Meeting -8- August 6, 2018 Councilmember Harris stated she is in favor of adding safety where it's needed, and minimize dangerous situations for bikers and walkers. She would be in favor of a 3rd activated crossing here due to the proximity to Highway 100 and concern for safety in the community. Mayor Spano added he is supportive as well. Councilmember Rog noted she had several comments from residents, who are concerned about sightlines as folks enter from the 231d Street area. She agreed it is fast moving there, and noted a resident had suggested a landing, adding she also suggested a landing above the trail entrance at 231d Street, allowing bikers who enter the trail to make sure the trail is clear before entering. Gary Weinstein, 2732 Monterey Avenue, stated he is a 36 -year resident of St. Louis Park, and is supportive of the trail. He asked, as the city looks at doing more trails in future and in light of the added volume of pedestrians and bikers in the area, if the city can do real traffic studies, with maximums and sightlines, and look at how many bikers actually use the trails. He stated as the project moves forward, he would hate to find out that MNDOT will not approve. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to authorize execution of a contract with G. L. Contracting Inc. the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $641,997.55 for the Utica Avenue trail - Project No. 4017-2000D, with the removal of the fiber optic portion of the project, and with staff looking into the addition of another flasher at Westside Drive, and reporting back to the council. The motion passed 6-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Miller noted on Wednesday, August 15th, at 6 p.m. the SLP Nest will have an open house. There will be free activities, food trucks, a dunk tank, and the location is next to the football field on Library Lane. Councilmember Rog noted there is a community meeting at 2544 Hwy. 100 to discuss expansion of the temple located there. Mayor Spano noted National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 711, and encouraged folks to attend their neighborhood events. He also reminded folks to participate in the back to school collection of school supplies that STEP and other organizations are involved in during August. Councilmember Harris added there is an inaugural TexaTonka Neighborhood Association meeting at Ainsworth Park on Thursday, August 161h, from 6 - 8 p.m. and encouraged folks to attend. City Council Meeting -9- August 6, 2018 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. MeWKenne