HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/10/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular,/�St. Louis Park Official minutes
M I N N E S O T A City council meeting
cnu l 1> E in 4hc Park St. Loins Park, Minnesota
October 15, 2018
1. Call to Order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom
Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmember absent: Steve Hallfin.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Chief Financial
Officer (Mr. Simon), Sr. Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Shamla), Housing Supervisor/Deputy
Community Development Director (Ms. Schnitker), Traffic Coordinator (Mr. Manibog),
Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Residents; Benilde-St. Margaret students.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations - none
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Special study session minutes of September 17, 2018
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve
the September 17, 2018 special study session minutes as presented.
The motion passed 6-0.
3b. City council minutes of September 17, 2018
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen seconded by Councilmember Harris to approve
the September 17, 2018 city council minutes as presented.
The motion passed 6-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Moved to 8c.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 18-164 setting the 2019 Utility Rates.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 18-165 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the water service line at 8307 Virginia Circle North, P.I.D. 07-117-21-14-0037
City Council Meeting -2- October 15, 2018
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 18-166 establishing a special assessment forthe
installation of a fire suppression sprinkler system at 6516 Walker St., St. Louis
Park, MN.
4e. Approve an agreement between the City of St. Louis Park and Methodist
Hospital, to lease the city's sanitary lift station property at 3901 Edgewood
Avenue for hospital parking.
4f. Designate Champion Coatings the lowest responsible bidder and authorize
execution of a contract with the contractor in the amount of $384,000.00 for
rehabilitation of Water Treatment Plant #16, Flag Avenue Reservoir- Project No.
4018-5000.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 18-167 setting liquor license fees for the license term
March 1, 2019 — March 1, 2020 pursuant to Minnesota statute 340A.408 and
section 3-59 of the St. Louis Park City Code.
4h. Authorize staff to submit the draft Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) for
agency review.
4i. Approve for filing Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting minutes of
January 29, 2018.
4j. Approve for filing Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting minutes of
February 22, 2018.
4k. Approve for filing Parks & recreation advisory commission meeting minutes of
May 16, 2018.
41. Planning commission meeting minutes of August 15, 2018.
4m. Planning commission meeting minutes of September 5, 2018.
Councilmember Rog requested that Consent Calendar item 4a be removed and placed
on the Regular Agenda to 8c.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended and to move
consent calendar item 4a to the regular agenda as item 8c; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. Rasoi, LLC dba Taste of India - on -sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license.
Ms. Carrillo Perez presented the staff report. She explained that the application was for
a transfer of ownership of the existing restaurant, Taste of India. She stated no changes
to the restaurant or operation were proposed at this time. The police department
completed a background investigation and found no basis for denial of the application.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
City Council Meeting -3- October 15, 2018
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve
application from Rasoi, LLC dba Taste of India for an on -sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor
license for the premises located at 5617 Wayzata Boulevard.
The motion passed 6-0.
6b. Assessment of delinquent charges. Resolution No. 18-168.
Mr. Ebensteiner presented the staff report. He noted the city certifies delinquent
charges to Hennepin County as a means to collect on accounts, and the certification is
done via the special assessment process. He explained the fees become a lien on the
individual properties that are due over the next year or several years, depending on the
type of charge. Customers are advised of these fees by the city.
Councilmember Brausen confirmed that customers have until Friday, October 26, at
4:30 p.m. to pay current fees and avoid a special assessment.
Councilmember Rog asked if there is any sort of assistance or counseling for folks who
are struggling to pay. Mr. Ebensteiner stated residents are encouraged to pay what they
are able, but there are no payment plans provided by the city.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Steve Hann, 3036 Texas Ave., stated he has lived in his current home for 57 years. He
stated he visited the council last year with concerns about his driveway, and was
assured the city would take care of the issues. He stated there were some minor repairs
made by the city, but the majority of the repairs were not made, and he will not pay the
bill until everything is fixed.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Harris asked what the scope of work to be completed was. Mr. Shamla
stated the work was to be removal and replacement of the driveway and the contract
which was signed, was for payment of the extra work.
Councilmember Harris asked for clarification, noting she had not been on the council at
the time of Mr. Hann's presentation last year. She asked what the extra work was that
was agreed upon, and if it was related to the driveway. Mr. Shamla stated the extension
was beyond what the project paid for, and this was the option that Mr. Hann opted for.
Councilmember Harris stated the work that was conducted as agreed upon and
completed per the specs and the assessment is related to that work, so there is a need
to move forward with the assessment as presented.
Councilmember Brausen stated he was at the presentation last year that Mr. Hann
referred to, but he did not recall the city would fix the whole problem, adding that
council had instructed staff to discuss this with Mr. Hann and reach a resolution.
City Council Meeting -4- October 15, 2018
Councilmember Brausen stated he believes staff made a good faith effort here,
communicated regularly with Mr. Hann, and the work was completed correctly, adding
he will support the assessment as presented.
Councilmember Rog asked about the driveway's condition and elevations prior to the
work being done. Mr. Shamla stated the existing drainage from the center of the drive
went toward the garage and today all drainage moves away from the garage and house,
adding in his opinion, the drainage issue has improved.
Councilmember Rog asked if Mr. Hann viewed this as an improvement as well. Mr.
Shamla stated Mr. Hann did not seem as concerned with the drainage issue, adding he
had tried to contact Mr. Hann all week, but was not able to reach him.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 18-168, to assess delinquent water, sewer, storm water, refuse, abating
grass/weed cutting, tree removal/injection, false alarm fees and other miscellaneous
charges.
The motion passed 6-0.
6c. Public hearing to consider first reading of 2019 fee ordinance.
Mr. Ebensteiner presented the staff report.
Councilmember Brausen asked once the fee schedule is adopted by the council, is there
any flexibility next year to change the fee schedule if needed.
City Attorney Mattick stated if the fee is adopted by an ordinance, council can come
back and make changes. If changes were made administratively, council can give
instruction to staff.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Rog stated she appreciated the opportunity to look closely at the fees
this year, and looks forward to discussing equity and access and how this will be
included as part of the work with fees this year.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve first reading of an ordinance adopting fees for 2019 and set second reading for
November 5, 2018.
The motion passed 6-0.
Requests, petitions, and communications from the public— none
City Council Meeting -5- October 15, 2018
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Cedar Lake Road Improvement Project No. 4019-1100. Resolution No. 18-169.
Mr. Shamla presented the staff report. He noted the road improvements proposed on
Cedar Lake Road are between Kentucky Avenue and Quentin Avenue, and in order to
qualify for funding, the road needs to be constructed to state aid standards.
Mr. Shamla stated the estimate for total project cost is $8,607,391. He noted staff
recommends approval of layout 1, and authorizing a contract with consulting firm
Bolton and Menk, Inc for final plan design.
Councilmember Miller asked about the main differences between layout 1 and 2. Mr.
Shamla stated the main difference is layout 1 has parking, and layout 2 does not. He
added residents living on Cedar Lake Road preferred to keep some form of on -street
parking.
Councilmember Miller asked if the tree impact is also different between the two
layouts. Mr. Shamla stated in layout 2, there is less removal of trees, noting that layout
2 requires 5 fewer trees to be removed than layout 1.
Councilmember Miler asked if stormwater run-off was the same with both options. Mr.
Shamla stated yes.
Councilmember Rog asked if the impervious surface in both layouts was similar. Mr.
Shamla stated yes, in both layouts, it is similar.
Councilmember Rog asked for clarification on the moving of the bus stop. Mr. Shamla
stated it is not being moved far away from the original site, and will just be shifted to
line up with the crosswalk.
Councilmember Rog asked about lighting, and especially in the Highway 100 underpass.
Mr. Shamla stated new lighting is included in the project and will be similar to the new
lighting on Texas Avenue. He added the underpass will be significantly well -lit for safety
reasons.
Councilmember Harris commented about the crossing at Ridge Drive and Cedar Lake
Road, stating safety is of the utmost importance due to a large number of apartments
and condos located there. She added as the city moves forward with the climate action
plan, they will want to reduce the use of cars there, and also make the crossing safe for
those walking and biking on the road.
Councilmember Harris asked if there will be white cross walk striping on the road for
added visual, for drivers. Mr. Shamla stated yes and we will also be moving lights near
the crossing to make the area brighter at night.
Councilmember Brausen stated this area is primarily in Ward 4, and 12,000 cars move
on Cedar Lake Road every day. He stated he is excited to see the project move forward,
City Council Meeting -6- October 15, 2018
and he is very supportive of the project, including the roundabout, sidewalks and
bikeways, adding they will want to make pedestrian and bike transit as safe as possible.
Councilmember Brausen stated he personally likes layout 2 better than layout 1,
however will support layout 1, as a significant number of Ward 4 residents responded to
the resident survey, noting their preferences. He stated he will vote for layout 1, and
respect the public process on this project.
Councilmember Miller agreed, this is a ward issue, and he would defer to
Councilmember Brausen. He added it is important for folks to be able to park outside
their homes.
Mayor Spano noted a letter received from city resident Marc Berg, who supports layout
2. Mr. Berg's letter stated there is more green space with this option, and there is not a
need for parking on the street, while adding he prefers bike lanes on both sides of the
road, versus only one side. The letter was included in the staff report to council.
Councilmember Rog stated she will not support layout 1, adding she did review the
parking study, and traveled the route several times also. She stated with the city's goals
in mind, the council is required to make choices that are more supportive of bike travel
and that reduce the number of vehicles in the city, adding the onus is on the council to
make changes, even if they are hard choices. She also noted that 40% of emissions in St.
Louis Park are from vehicles, and stated the city should look into reducing vehicle
ownership through incentives. She stated she puts her money where her mouth is, and
biked to the meeting this evening.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
layout 2, in light of the city's climate action plan commitments.
Councilmember Mavity stated this project will be more difficult for those living there
than those traveling through, but the council must remember there are other impacts,
and they must look at this as building for the next 70, 80, and 100 years, adding the
trees will then be large shade trees.
Councilmember Harris stated she hears from families asking for more safe biking
pathways that are protected, adding it was great to see so many young people at the
meeting tonight. She stated the students are the future and their choices matter.
Councilmember Harris asked if there will be an increased sense of safety related to the
cycle track.
Mr. Shamla noted the cycle track will be slightly elevated from the road — at 3-4 inches —
and will be similar to a bike lane. Mr. Manibog stated the off-street bike facility would
be safer than being on the street, especially with less interaction with vehicles.
Councilmember Harris stated while she does want to encourage with climate action plan
she would like to see more cycle tracks in the city, adding tonight she will support layout
1.
City Council Meeting -7- October 15, 2018
Mayor Spano added he will also support layout 1, notingthat both are an improvement
to pedestrian and transit in the city. He noted how impactful the city's Connect the Park
project has been for residents, adding the council always tries to listen to residents'
concerns, and in this case, residents are asking for parking in front of their homes.
Councilmember Rog withdrew her earlier motion, and Councilmember Mavity withdrew
her second.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt
Resolution No. 18-169, accepting the project report, establishing Improvement Project
No. 4019-1100, approving layout 1, and authorizing a contract with Bolton and Menk,
Inc for the design of final plans.
The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Rog opposed.)
8b. Gun shows at city facilities. Resolution No. 18-170.
Ms. Carrillo Perez presented the staff report. She stated the city has the ability to
prohibit gun events from city owned property, and the city has not had a gun show on
city owned property in the past. She added the city policy prohibits gun shows in city
owned property in an effort to prevent the "gun show loophole."
Councilmember Harris stated this came out of recent conversations with students asking
for added safety measures in their schools, and also to look at how we might create a
safer community. She added she had asked about not allowing gun shows in city hotels,
but the city only has jurisdiction over its own facilities.
Councilmember Mavity stated the reason the resolution is being presented is due to gun
shootings in schools, public places and work places, adding this emerged from our
students saying they don't feel safe, and they asked the council for help. She noted the
council is trying to do just that, and do what they can do to have some control, adding it
is a statement that the city wants to make clear where it stands on this issue.
Mayor Spano added he encouraged the students to discuss this issue amongst
themselves and also with the council and with other government entities. He added he
wants to be clear that this conversation is not happening in a vacuum, adding he has
met with the city's gun store owner, and he is also very supportive of this measure.
Mayor Spano stated he is a gun owner, and responsible gun owners will be comfortable
with this resolution and he will support it.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 18-170, banning gun shows at city facilities.
The motion passed 5-0.
8c. Affordable housing trust fund ordinance and policy. Ordinance No. 2544-18.
City Council Meeting -8- October 15, 2018
Ms. Schnitker presented the staff report. She noted on October 1, 2018, council
approved the first reading of the ordinance relating to the creation of a local affordable
housing trust fund and set the second reading for this evening.
Councilmember Rog thanked staff for their work on this policy, as well as the council for
their support on the policy. She added she wants to ensure the words "extremely low
income" are added throughout the policy as an additional category, where appropriate.
Ms. Schnitker stated staff can do that easily, adding this will not change the household
income groups served under the policy, and puts more emphasis on the 30% lower
income group.
Councilmember Mavity stated she will support that change and proposed an additional
one as well. She agreed the focus of the affordable housing trust fund must be through
the lens of affordability. She noted where it mentions objectives in the document on
page 4, she proposes to end the sentence and not listing out the possible populations,
noting this is not precise, nor is it necessary.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2544-18 amending the St. Louis Park code
of ordinances relating to the establishment of an affordable housing trust fund, and the
housing trust fund policy to guide the use of the fund, including two changes in wording
noted above.
The motion passed 6-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Mavity stated October 16 is the last day to pre -register for voting. She alerted
folks to go to the Secretary of State's website for information on early voting.
Mayor Spano also noted early voting is going on at city hall everyday from 8 a.m. —4:30 p.m.,
and in Minnesota, voters can register the same day they vote. He encouraged folks to go to
mnvotes.org to find out where they should vote. He added that in Minnesota, absentee voting
is currently 112% above 2016.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Melissa