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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/12/03 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota December 3, 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), Planner (Ms. Monson), City Assessor (Mr. Bultema), Management Assistant (Mr. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations - None 3. Approval of minutes 3a. City council study session minutes of October 22, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the October 22, 2018 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. Special study session minutes of November 5, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the November 5, 2018 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of October 27, through November 23, 2018. 4b. Moved to 6c. 4c. Approve entering into a service agreement with the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation for continuing to use their crews from the Sentencing to Service Program (STS Program). DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130 City council meeting -2- December 3, 2018 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 18-185 authorizing final payment in the amount of $25,702.49 for Project 4017-2000A Connect the Park Sidewalk and enhanced pedestrian crossings with G. L. Contracting, Inc., City Contract No. 61-17. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 18-189 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the amount of $8,082.50 for the Bass Lake preserve outlet project with Veit & Company, Inc. - Project No. 4014-4000, City Contract No. 183-17. 4f. Approve for filing board of zoning appeals meeting minutes of May 24, 2018. Mayor Spano requested that Consent Calendar item 4b be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda as 8a. 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 4b to the Regular Agenda as item 8c; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and commissions - none 6. Public hearings 6a. First reading of Ordinance vacating portions of utility easements at 8000 Minnetonka Blvd. Ms. Monson presented the staff report regarding Texatonka shopping center. She noted Fine Properties of MN, LLP is requesting to vacate the utility easement in order to clean up the titles to the property. The portions of easements to be vacated are not needed by the city, county or public utility companies for any public purpose. Councilmember Harris asked what led to the easement being placed there, and then not used. Ms. Monson stated as part of the original platting process, the easement was required, but then has never been used over the last 70 years. She noted it is on the north side of the property, underneath the building. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Jake Warner, 2140 Glenhurst Rd., commented on the unused telephone poles in his neighborhood, and asked why the city does not take them out. He has also notified Xcel and Comcast, and asked that the city please remove the poles, which are not in use. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve first reading of ordinance vacating portions of utility easements at 80 00 Minnetonka Blvd. and to set the second reading for Dec. 17, 2019. The motion passed 7-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130 City council meeting -3- December 3, 2018 6b. 2019 proposed budget, tax levies and truth in taxation public hearing . Mr. Simon presented the staff report. Mr. Harmening explained the budget process of the city, and stated priorities include police, fire, public works, and community visioning. He noted the five strategic priorities adopted by council, which represent feedback received from the community, include focus on race equity, environmental stewardship, an aggressive climate action plan, and the Connect the Park project. Mr. Simon stated the proposed 2019 final property tax levy is a 4.35% increase over the 2018 final property tax levy. The 2019 preliminary property tax levy increase adopted on September 17 by the council was 5.18%, and based on further analysis and council direction, it was reduced to 4.35%. Mr. Simon explained this evening is a public hearing on truth in taxation, however the council will take no action, and public comments will be noted. He noted that staff, including himself as well as City Assessor Bultema, are available for questions at any time, at city hall. Councilmember Rog asked Mr. Bultema to explain the process if residents want to question the assessed value of their home. Mr. Bultema explained the process involves four steps: 1. Informal appeal which involves residents calling staff with questions. 2. Right to Appeal to the local taxation board, which listens and makes a decision. 3. Appeal to the county board whereby an appraiser is sent to review the property and the county makes a decision. 4. Petition in Tax Court where a judge hears the case, and appeals can go to the state supreme court. Councilmember Brausen noted that the majority of the city budget is personnel cost s, adding there will be four new full-time employees, plus two more part-time added, and one will be offset by corresponding revenues coming in. Mayor Spano pointed out charges for services include items like program revenue collected at the Rec Center, when the facility is rented out. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Lynn Boiarsky, 4820 Park Commons Drive, #328, stated she would like to advocate for the city’s low-income people and explained she has done voluntary tax prep for low income folks. She noted how these folks wait for their property tax refunds each year, and she would like the council to consider a cap on taxes, for folks who are impacted and are retired. She stated she was not aware of the over 65 program and would like more information on that, adding she would like for council to consider this group when they set the tax levy. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130 City council meeting -4- December 3, 2018 Dale Anderson, 2700 Vernon Ave., stated he has been retired for 10 years, the last 5 of which he has taught continuing education at the U of M. He stated the city is living beyond its means and that is not sustainable in the long term. He stated this will hurt folks and push them out of their homes and also impair the city’s ability to provide affordable housing. He stated the city needs to shift some of the cost burdens around including sidewalk shoveling, noting that some folks are double taxed which is profoundly unfair, especially for those who are handicapped or disabled. He added that creating a monument to recreation and another $12 million monument to n ature is pushing many beyond their limits, and he wants to bring this to the council’s attention . Jake Werner, 2148 Glenhurst Rd., stated he is a 27-year resident of Lake Forest and noted there are no sidewalks in his neighborhood, and the lighting is p oor. He added the landscape is barren on Highway 7, and it should be made into a promenade because it is so bleak. He stated the recent expenditure of $10 million on the Rec Center is a mystery to him as he never sees anything going on there, yet the light s are always on. He also stated the skateboard park needs help and there needs to be more attention to landscape. Sarah Dold, 3341 Yosemite Ave. S., stated she has lived in St. Louis Park for 2 years, and works full time as a nurse at Methodist Hospital. She stated she loves living in the city and close to her job and wants to stay; however, her taxes have increased by double digits each year, and are proposed to go up this year to $4901 from $2344, last year. She is concerned and noted she was not extravagant when she purchased her home, but stated many don’t have the ability to pay these taxes, and she hopes the city can practice some moderation, so all can afford to live in St. Louis Park. Nancy Wood, 2709 Lynn Ave., stated there is a common theme here, and the city is out of line on spending. She noted she has lived in St. Louis Park for 25 years and loves living here; however, her property taxes have gone up 40% in the last two years, while her salary has not gone up. She stated this council has an open checkbook, but added the city needs to live within its means and if taxes keep increasing, it will drive out many citizens. She stated the council needs to get spending in check. Terry Warner, 3020 Florida Ave. S., stated when he purchased his house 33 years ago, his taxes were $466, and this year they are proposed to be $2,666. He stated he is scared the city is becoming a neo Linden Hills, with every block having mini mansions and tear downs. He stated he’s been offered to sell his lot, and he does fear his taxes will go higher if his neighbor builds a mansion next to him. He noted he no longer has a mortgage, but if he did, he could not afford to live in the city. Adrian Johnson, 2901 Blackstone, stated he has lived here since 2005, and is concerned about property taxes here. He stated he does love what is being done in the city, and enjoys the amenities, but his last tax increase was 43%. He stated if this levy passes, he will be fine with it, but he wants to be part of the process. He asked the council to choose wisely, adding he can’t imagine what the next 10 years will bring. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130 City council meeting -5- December 3, 2018 Roger Randall, 3251 Louisiana, West Oak, stated he has reflected on comments he’s heard this evening, and he wants to compliment the city. He stated he moved here in 2011, lives in a condo, and this year his taxes are going up 18%. He stated he hopes to retire in a year or two, and this increase seems very high . He, however, stated the city has great amenities and the council are good stewards of the city’s money, adding he speaks for the 75 homeowners in his condo complex, and as president of their association. Greg Cumming, 2032 Utah Ave. S., stated he bought his house a 1½ years ago and has had a 25% increase in taxes since he moved in. He noted they did a modest bath remodel and did the work themselves, but did not know there would be an implication on his taxes, and he has concerns. He stated he likes the idea of a cap and added when he received notification of his assessment in March, there was no notification on ho w this will impact your taxes for the next season, so he was not sure if he should appeal. He stated if the tax increases continue as a trend, he is not sure he will stay in St. Louis Park. He thanked the council for their time. Susan Bloyer, 2935 Pennsylvania Ave. S., thanked the council for keeping the increase around 5% and stated she is sure some of the taxes are related to school and county taxes, which folks can’t do anything about. She noted as a member of the Environmental and Sustainability Commission, she is happy to have the nature center and the council’s commitment to cutting back on greenhouse gases. She appreciates the property tax refund and stated she will reach out to Mr. Bultema with her questions. Robert Niece, 3151 Louisiana Ave., stated he lives in a condo and his taxes are proposed to increase 18% across all residents there. He stated if values go up more than 8%, owners should get a special type of notification, or some type of leveling should be included, adding there needs to be some type of additional process to level an 18% increase across 3 years, at 6% each year. Angelina Aller, 4860 Park Commons Drive #317, stated she lives in a condo and is hoping to stay in St. Louis Park. She enjoys the amenities, and stated her taxes went up 33% this year. She noted she and her husband are both college graduates and have full time careers, but with tax increases like this, they are not sure they can afford a house in St. Louis Park, adding they have tuition bills to pay. Jason Rodahl, 3118 Rhode Island Ave., stated he does not think there is a problem, yet he would support a cap, or a 1-year lag notice before taxes went up. He added the city should look for ways to raise funds from developers, or there should be a mechanism to level things out. He added the city should also provide concrete examples to go out with tax notices, with explanations, and better communication to residents. Jim Engelking, 4057 Brookside Ave., stated he moved to the city in 2015, from St. Paul, where he had a bigger house and paid twice as much in taxes. He noted the snow gets plowed faster here, and the infrastructure is top notch, with great amenities. He stated residents are getting good value for their tax dollars. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130 City council meeting -6- December 3, 2018 Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. There was no action taken, and final adoption will take place at the December 17, 2018 meeting. Councilmember Brausen asked if the tax notices that are sent to residents are required by state law. Mr. Bultema stated yes, that is correct. Councilmember Brausen asked about the mechanics of tax law, and asked if the city has any discretion. Mr. Bultema stated generally no, the city has no discretion . Councilmember Brausen asked if the assessed values are determined by the marketplace and then all values are determined and distributed across all property tax values. Mr. Bultema stated that is correct. Councilmember Rog thanked all residents who attended the meeting this evening and stated all comments were heard and will be discussed . Mayor Spano responded to Mr. Cumming’s comment about getting the levy amount at the same time residents’ valuation statements are sent out; however, the Mayor noted at that point, the council has not set the levy. Mr. Harmening commented on Mr. Warner’s concern about telephone poles not in use, and stated city staff will be in contact with him about who owns the poles and how they will be taken care of. 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the p ublic – none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. Second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2548-18 amending St. Louis Park City Code Chapter 10 related to the rules of conduct for municipal elections. Mayor Spano noted he wanted to make sure all are aware of this big step for the city with adoption of these rules. He reminded residents this was done after the most recent mid-term elections so as not to confuse residents, and this process will begin in 2019 municipal elections. He added there will be much education on this new process starting after the first of the year. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2548-18 amending St. Louis Park City Code Chapter 10 related to the rules of conduct for municipal elections. The motion passed 7-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130 City council meeting -7- December 3, 2018 9. Communications Mayor Spano noted the groundbreaking for SWLRT, which was held last Friday. He stated he invited Phyllis McQuaid, who was mayor of St. Louis Park when work on the light rail began in 1978. He noted this has been the single largest project he has worked on since being elected to the council 7 years ago, and praised the work of many, over the years, who are not in the room, adding this is very exciting. Councilmember Harris stated the Holiday Train will come to St. Louis Park on Tuesday, December 11, beginning at 5:30 p.m., on the tracks in the historic Walker district, near STEP. She added that food donations will be accepted and the railroad will also be donating funds. Mayor Spano added this will be the third year for the event, and two years ago $23,000 was raised, while last year $35,000 was raised for STEP. He encouraged all to come out and support the event this year as well. Councilmember Brausen stated Ms. McMonigal told him she had attended more meetings on the SWLRT project than any other topic in her 20 years on the St. Louis Park staff. He went on to thank all staff for their work on this project over the years . 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: B7E84CDC-0A87-4882-8B17-A00325186130