HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/09/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session�// St. Louis Park
MINNESOTA
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The meeting convened at 6:55 p.m.
Official minutes
City council special study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
September 17, 2018
Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller,
and Margaret Rog.
Council member Absent: Mayor JakeSpano
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman) Director of
Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Nature Center Manager (Mr. Oestreich), and Recording
Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: Tara Blotske, RJM; Glenn Waguespack and Nancy Blankfard, HGA.
1. Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
Mayor Pro Tem Brausen called the meeting to order.
Mr. Waguespack presented the updates on the project. He noted the water feature north of
the projected building.
Ms. Walsh noted staff is working with Friend of the Arts and has organized an arts and culture
taskforce to focus on public art for the project. She added as the project moves forward, staff
will work with communications to deliver updates to residents regarding the progress.
Mr. Oestreich stated the water and proposed bog will educate students and others about the
habitat and plantings on the site, and noted there will be access points for folks to get into the
streambed and interact. He also stated he has met with the school district, and presented the
plan to them. Mr. Duffy, with the district, stated he is excited about the multipurpose room and
would like to do an in-service for teachers there in 2020. Mr. Oestreich went on to note there
will be a pollinator area and live animal displays featuring snakes and reptiles in exhibit areas.
Councilmember Rog asked about the building being described as "net zero". Ms. Walsh stated
staff is working to standardize the language, and the building is a "zero energy" building, noting
with weather factors, there will be some months when zero energy is achieved and others
when it is not —therefore it will balance out.
Councilmember Rog asked if there is capacity to store energy at the building. Ms. Walsh stated
it is designed to feed back into the grid. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen added the city will get credit
for the energy sent back to the grid.
Councilmember Rog stated she is pleased to hear the school partnerships are getting stronger
related to the project. She noted it is important to ensure culture inclusion and this is the time
to be intentional as it relates to public art, and culture. She encouraged a sharper lens on
inclusivity and equity on the project.
Special study session minutes -2- September 17, 2018
Ms. Walsh affirmed staff has been working closely with Ms. Sojourner and talking through ideas
and arts and culture. She noted there is also an outreach team that has been formed, and staff
will be looking for input and feedback, both on programming and art. She added they are also
discussing the use of revolving art at the nature center.
Councilmember Rog pointed out there is also an opportunity here to include multiple languages
in signage and displays at the center, noting the city does a good job of that in municipal
buildings.
Mayor Pro Tem Brausen agreed with Councilmember Rog on the signage and program
materials, adding that self -guided tours are another area where multiple languages should be
used.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Tim Brausen, Mayor Pro Tem