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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/11/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularIf/St. Louis Park Official minutes M I N N E S 0 T A City council meeting LPorien�c LIfE ht the Park. St. Louis Park, Minnesota November 5, 2018 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: city residents, Ms. Eddington, Kennedy and Graven; Mr. Velasco, PLACE. 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations 2a. Small Business Saturday proclamation. Mayor Spano read the proclamation stating that Saturday, November 24, 2018 is Small Business Saturday in St. Louis Park, and encouraged all to support the city's small businesses. 2b. Recognition of donations. Mayor Spano noted the following donations and thanked all the donors for their gifts to the city. • Beth EI Synagogue — donated $3600 for 10 police officers to attend the Heroes Among Us speaker series with Ron Stalwarth, author of Black Klansman. • Aelius Energy— donated $1912 for two Saturn outdoor light fixtures for the Carpenter Skate Park Area. • St. Louis Park High School Class of 1954 - donated $587.92 for a memorial plaque in honor of Bob Owen, who was Olympic gold medal winner and St. Louis Park hall of fame inductee. • Leslie Marcus—donated $100 to the Nature Center for park enhancements and program needs. City Council Meeting -2- November 5, 2018 3. Approval of minutes 3a. Study session minutes of September 24, 2018 Councilmember Brausen noted on page 5, item 11 it should read "He has talked to tenants at Lou Park Apartments repeatedly and told them to contact their legislators, adding that the city is committed to working with them on their housing issues." Councilmember Mavity noted on page 2, it should read "Neighborhood meetings are an excellent use of staff time." She noted in this particular instance, having neighborhood by neighborhood meetings, her reference was that it would be more efficient to have an all -city meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the September 24, 2018 study session meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. City council minutes of October 1, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the October 1, 2018 city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3c. Study session minutes of October 8, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the October 8, 2018 study session meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3d. City council meeting minutes of October 15, 2018 Councilmember Rog stated on page 6, paragraph 5, it should read, "She also noted 40% of emissions." It was moved by Councilmember Miller seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the October 15, 2018 city council meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 7-0. 3e. Joint city council and school board meeting minutes of October 29, 2018 Councilmember Brausen noted he was absent from the meeting, but pointed out information that was omitted from the minutes regarding questions about the City Council Meeting -3- November 5, 2018 Westwood Church affordable housing proposal and land owned by the citythat would require access by the city, through their property. Mr. Harmening stated staff will add a summary statement regarding the above- mentioned item to the minutes. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the October 29, 2018 joint city council and school board meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent agenda 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of September 22, through October 26, 2018. 4b. Moved to 8e 4c. Moved to 8h 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 18-171 approving the final AUAR update for the West End redevelopment project located in the southwest corner of Highways 394 and 100. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 18-172 rescinding Resolution No. 18-069 and approving the attached revised list of snow removal exempt parking areas. 4f. Approve Amendment No. 2 to city Agreement No. 126-14, between the city and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) for communication antennas on the city's water tower at 2541 Nevada Avenue South. 4g. Moved to 8g 4h. Moved to 8f 4i. Approve for filing fire civil service commission minutes of February 27, 2018. Staff requested that consent agenda item 4b be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8e; and that item 4h be moved to item 8f. Councilmember Rog requested that consent agenda item 4g be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8g. Councilmember Brausen requested that consent agenda item 4c be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8h. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to move Consent Calendar items as indicated above to the regular agenda, and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. Councilmember Mavity added a note that the consent agenda is supposed to be a "consent agenda". The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -4- November 5, 2018 5. Boards and commissions 5a. Appointment of representative to board and commissions. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the appointment of Amaya Fokuo and Marian Mohamud to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) as youth members for the term ending on August 31, 2019, and to appoint Emily Buchholz as a regular member to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) for the term ending on May 31, 2020 and appoint Jack Ostrovsky to the Police Advisory Commission (PAC) as youth member for the term ending on August 31, 2019. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public hearings 6a. Easement vacation at 8170 Lake St. W. Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the first reading of an ordinance vacating a drainage and utility easement and set the second reading of the ordinance for November 19, 2018. The motion passed 7-0. 6b. Public hearing — issuance of revenue bond for PLACE'S Via projects. Resolution No. 18-173. Resolution No. 18-174. Mr. Hunt, Mr. Simon, and Ms. Barton presented the staff report. Mr. Simon stated the issuance of bonds would not impact the city's debt capacity, and would not constitute a general or moral obligation of the city, nor be secured by the taxing powers of the city or any assets or property of the city. Ms. Eddington, Kennedy and Graven, stated they have requested tax due diligence materials to ensure the bonds can be issued on a tax-exempt basis, adding there are a few items that are still outstanding she expects to receive before closing, and from their perspective, this can move forward to closing once those items are received. She added the bonds do not impact the city's credit rating, or other bonds issued this year. Councilmember Mavity asked about the December 18 closing date, and why it is not December 31, 2018. Mr. Hunt stated it is difficult to close after December 18' given the holidays. City Council Meeting -5- November 5, 2018 Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Patrick Wells, 3379 Brunswick Ave. S, stated he has lived in the city for 40 years, and is a retired banker and salesperson. He has spoken to the council before on this topic and still has concerns. He asked the council to ask themselves, "what could possibly go wrong." He has concerns about safety, transportation, and stated he thinks as former Councilmember Sue Sanger on this issue. He asked the council to not approve this, and asked them not to ignore the issues in front of them. Megan Phimisfer, 3451 Zarthan Ave. S, asked the council to not move forward on this if the developer cannot secure both properties. Otherwise, the city will end up with an apartment building with not enough parking. She added if this doesn't move forward at all, she would like to not see the property develop until light rail is completed, adding there is no need to develop every piece of property. Harvey Ginsburg, 5834 W 391h St., thanked the councilmembers for serving on the council. He noted the council has spent five years working on this and he commended them for that. He also noted the developer has failed to perform, and this is his fourth revision to the project, along with extension after extension. He noted the developer has failed at every financing turn, and has only been able to capture government grants, adding that none of the developer's own money has been put at risk either. He pointed out the staff report says that bank after bank has passed on this development. He added if the developer goes into default or bankruptcy, who knows when the city will get the property again. He asked where the institutional investors are for this project. Jim McDonough, 2840 Cavell Ave. S, stated he has lived here for 43 years and his home purchase was the wisest investment he has ever made. He stated St. Louis Park is an inclusive, accessible community and he has been a strong supporter of PLACE vision for this community, which is a bold vision and huge development. He appreciated council support of the project in the past. He also stated the financial difficulties now are beyond the scope of his confidence, due to a situation beyond the city's control, and it will affect the city's plans for affordable housing. He asked the bankers in the community when "affordable" became a dirty word. He pointed out that Ford built an affordable car that all could afford. He urged the council to grant the extension and support the PLACE project, and to move forward with the plan. Todd Bagby, 2275 Kentucky Ln., stated he previously contacted staff in support of this, adding he is a volunteer for this project. He asked the council to continue support for this project, stating Via is a special and ambitious project, which brings in another non- profit development. He noted a for-profit developer might detract from these components and stated the responsible thing is to offer the bonds and make this project a reality for the city. Kim Anderson, 3248 Yosemite Ave. S, stated she has been cautiously optimistic and has loved this idea, but also had concerns about the lack of financing to get this completed. She encouraged the council to look at the project with scrutiny, and added it is time to move forward. City Council Meeting -6- November 5, 2018 Jessie Houlihan Bingen, Stahl Builders, a builder on the project, said she understands the delays are difficult; however, she is asking the council to support the project. She stated the developer is very committed to delivering on this project and believes in the affordability and economic vitality, which will put St. Louis Park on the map within the state and nationally. She asked the council to support the extension. Brent Webb stated he has worked with Sherman Associates in the past, and was blown away by the concept when he first heard about it. He stated PLACE is publicly supported, a non-profit, exists to make a difference, and not to make a profit. He stated it is important to support this and asked the council to do so, especially when considering the affordable component. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Mavity stated she has been an avid supporter of this project, and was captured by the vision of the project. She stated the project has aligned with the values of the community with its environmental and affordable components, and the transportation program. She stated the project goes well beyond her and the council and the city, adding there are many entities involved in this project monetarily and also reputationally. She noted the Met Council has been supportive of this project, adding the city is part of this regional vision and system and can leverage transit development as well, because of the larger vision. Councilmember Mavity stated she has been involved in non-profit affordable housing for many years, noting a project she worked on in Edina had 14 different funding sources. She added the city should hold the course right now, noting staff has all the details. She stated the deadlines are too short, while she appreciated bond counsel noting the project is moving in the right direction. She stated she will make an amendment to the motion during the EDA meeting to change the closing date to a December 315t deadline. Ms. Eddington stated the motion to approve the resolution will need to be changed to reflect changing the date in the last paragraph of the resolution to December 31. Councilmember Miller asked if the revenues from the north side were sufficient to pay the bonds. Ms. Eddington stated the only way to sell the bonds was to provide evidence to the buyers that the revenues would be sufficient to pay the costs of operating the project and to pay the bonds. She added that she had not been given information regarding the revenues of the north side, but perhaps Councilmember Miller's question is more for the underwriter or PLACE itself. Councilmember Miller stated he still has concerns. Mr. Hunt stated ideally the city would have a development that is cohesive on both the north and south sides, adding staff is confident another developer could be attracted for the other side if PLACE is not able to develop both north and south projects. City Council Meeting -7- November 5, 2018 Councilmember Hallfin stated he supports the extension, noting he has supported this project for a long time. He noted the deadline keeps getting pushed and asked how many extensions are needed. In the end, he stated, he is rooting for the project. Councilmember Rog asked how the parking on the north and south parcels will be compromised if only the north parcel is developed. Ms. Barton stated the parking is not shared across the parcels. Councilmember Rog thanked everyone who came to the meeting tonight, and stated she appreciated all the emails she received and insights shared tonight. She stated some concern and support might be based on old ideas, adding the affordability now has shifted and she is disappointed in that. However, she will support the resolution and staff's recommendation. Councilmember Harris stated this is a visionary initiative, and she was on the ESC when she met the developer, Mr. Velasco at a waste conference. She stated she likes the model and the non-profit component, and is hoping the project will benefit fblks who live there by keeping costs affordable. She supports the project and thanked those who have emailed her their concerns. She proposed a policy for the future where there might be reimbursement of staff time as amendments accrue, similar to police visits to a particular property. Councilmember Brausen stated he has been a supporter of the project since the beginning and continues to be. He stated the project provides an exciting vision and concept and is very challenging. He appreciates staff time and past council's diligence on this project and on other projects such as Excelsior & Grand, and the West End. He noted these projects also did not stay on their respective timelines, but have reflected the vision of each council. He stated this project will direct the city toward its values of climate action and affordable housing, and he will continue to support it. Councilmember Miller stated he supports the staff recommendation, noting it is an extraordinary project with the affordable housing it provides. He stated the affordable component is key, along with its walkability, green areas, and retail. Mayor Spano stated he also will support the extension, noting the project is visionary, challenging, and the city is patient. He added it is time to move forward and reiterated Councilmember Hallfin's comments related to the deadline. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt Resolution No. 18-173 and Resolution No.18-174 calling for the issuance of private activity revenue bonds to finance PLACE'S Via Sol project and amendments to loan document in connection with the multifamily housing revenue note, series 2017 to finance PLACE'S Via Luna project, and change the contract date from December 18, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -8- November 5, 2018 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public — none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. St. Louis Park Middle School conditional use permit and variance. Resolution No. 18-175. Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports these upgrades at the middle school and added he hopes the school district is mindful of the city's climate action plans as they move forward. It was moved by Councilmember Brousen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 18-175, approving a conditional use permit and variance for building and site improvements at 2025 Texas Avenue South, with conditions recommended by staff. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. St. Louis Park High School conditional use permit. Resolution No. 18-176. Resolution No. 18-177. Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. Councilmember Rog asked about the central kitchen at the high school, if all school district food will be prepared at the high school, and if there will be additional trucks and traffic at the school because of this. Mr. Bravo stated the district has spoken to the trucking companies and the area has been enclosed in order to keep trucks off the road and near the dock. He added the intention is not to have congestion there, with 5-6 trucks planning to park at the dock. It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt Resolution No. 18-176 approving a conditional use permit for building and site improvements at 6425 W. 331 Street, and to adopt Resolution No. 18-177 approving removal of parking restrictions along West 331 Street. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. The Block conditional use permit for restaurant and parking variance 7008 Hwy. 7. Resolution No. 18-178. Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Mayor Spano left the chambers at 9:05 p.m. and Mayor Pro Tem Brausen chaired the meeting. City Council Meeting -9- November 5, 2018 Councilmember Harris stated this is an exciting development in this area, and noted she was at the public meeting and appreciates the work done by staff on parking. She added there will also be discussion about ways —walking or biking —to get the public to the restaurant. Councilmembers Mavity and Miller stated they are both excited about this new development in the historic Walker Lake area. Councilmember Rog stated she attended the public meeting as well, and heard about the dog -friendly piece and valet option. She asked how the valet might impact neighbors. Luke Durheim, 3601 Dupont Ave., one of the owners of The Block, stated there will be a drop site for the valet, based on demand. He noted they will be cognizant of this and its effects on the neighborhood, adding the valet company will park cars a bit north, in the Gorham lot. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen stated he has received several emails from residents concerned about the number of liquor licenses the city grants; however, he will let the marketplace decide here and will support this. It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt Resolution No. 18-178, approving a conditional use permit and parking variance for a restaurant with intoxicating liquor. The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent). 8d. Yeshiva of Minneapolis expansion — comprehensive plan amendment; rezoning; conditional use permit; variances. Resolution No. 18-179. Resolution No. 18-180. Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Councilmember Rog stated she supports the Yeshiva, and noted her condolences related to the recent events in Pittsburgh, which cause the Jewish community distress. She stated the city is here to protect and support you, we love the Jewish community, and are glad you are here. She stated she will support this expansion. Mayor Spano returned to chambers at 9:20 p.m. and chaired the remainder of the meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 18-179, approving a comprehensive plan amendment changing the land use designation of 3100 Natchez Ave. S, to Civic; to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 3115 Ottawa Ave. S, and 3100 Natchez Ave. S to R-4 multiple family residence, and set second reading for November 19, 2018; and to adopt Resolution No. City Council Meeting -10- November 5, 2018 18-180 approving a conditional use permit and variances for an expansion of the Yeshiva facility. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Fees for 2019 as outlined in Appendix A of the City Code of Ordinances and summary ordinance for publication. Ordinance No. 2545-18. Councilmember Rog stated she would like to discuss the access issues related to pool entry fees. Councilmember Brausen stated this bears the council discussing all city fees. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, approving second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2545-18 establishing fees for 2019 as outlined in Appendix A of the City Code of Ordinances and to approve the summary ordinance for publication. The motion passed 7-0. 8f. Acceptance of donations. Resolution No. 18-181. Councilmember Rog thanked the Minneapolis company for their donation of lighting. Councilmember Brausen hoped the direction of the lights will not harm the apartments in the area. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 18-181 approving acceptance of the following donations: • Aelius Energy donated two Saturn outdoor solar light fixtures ($1,912 value) for the Carpenter Skate Park area. • The St. Louis Park High School Class of 1954 donated $587.92 for a memorial plaque honoring Bob Owen, Olympic Gold Medal winner and St. Louis Park High School Hall of Fame member. • Leslie Marcus donated $100 for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. The motion passed 7-0. 8g. Monetary donation from Beth EI Synagogue. Resolution No. 18-182. It was moved by Councilmember Brousen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt Resolution No. 18-182 accepting monetary donation from Beth EI Synagogue to allow ten police department staff to attend their Heros Among Us Speaker Series and approving the change in language for the donation. The motion passed 7-0. 8h. Employer contribution for benefits in 2019. Resolution No. 18-183. City Council Meeting -11- November 5, 2018 Councilmember Brausen noted the 5% reduction in employer benefit fees for 2019, and stated this is clear evidence the premiums will be reduced when appropriate. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt Resolution No. 18-183 establishing the employer contribution for benefits in 2019. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Miller stated on November 7, the Youth and Community Fund Give Back Day will be held at Steel Toe Brewery from 5:30 —7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and participate to honor those organizations who have received funding the past few years. Councilmember Brausen stated he and three other councilmembers will be attending the National League of City's conference next week, and will be working on the business of the city while sharing issues they care about with other cities across the nation. Councilmember Harris stated there is a community meeting in Ward 3 related to the Texatonka area on November 15, 6:30 p.m., at Aquila School in the media room. She encouraged all to participate. Councilmember Hallfin encourage all to vote in the mid-term elections tomorrow. Mayor Spano encouraged all to vote tomorrow as well, and noted the state has had an incredibly large early turnout. He encouraged folks to check MNVOTES.ORG for further information, and added if folks are in line to vote at 8 p.m. tomorrow, to stay in line and they will be able to vote. Mayor Spano noted an event at Westwood Hills Lutheran Church that took place last Thursday in support of the Jewish Community, and stated there were over 500 people in attendance. He thanked all who organized and attended the event. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:3 p.m. Meliss enne y, City Clerk