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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/02/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 17, 2026 1. Call to order Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:21 p.m. a. Roll call. Council members present: Daniel Bashore, Jim Engelking, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Paul Baudhuin, Yolanda Farris, Mayor Nadia Mohamed Council members absent: none Staff present: administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), community engagement coordinator (Mr. Coleman), finance director (Ms. Cruver), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), City manager (Ms. Keller), police chief (Mr. Kruelle), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy engineering director (Mr. Sullivan), race, equity and inclusion director (Ms. Yang) 2. Approve agenda. Ms. Keller noted that a member of the public wished to comment on item 5e and recommended that the council remove it to become item 7c. Mayor Mohamed indicated this motion would be taken during the consent items. It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the agenda. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations. a. Proclamation observing Ramadan Council Member Brausen read the proclamation observing the beginning of Ramadan. The proclamation recognized the Muslim community as an integral part of the diversity within the City of St. Louis Park. In 2026, Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on Feb. 17, 2026, and continues for one lunar month until March 19, 2026. The proclamation acknowledged that many St. Louis Park homes host iftars and encouraged all people to learn about their Muslim neighbors and break negative stereotypes about the Islamic faith in furtherance of the city's commitment to leadership in race, equity and inclusion. Mayor Mohamed offered greetings to all Muslims in St. Louis Park and beyond for Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem. She described Ramadan as a month of peace, intentional reflection and setting intentions for goals to accomplish while refraining from negatives. She noted that this year's Ramadan begins during a difficult time for Somali Muslim communities and characterized the month as one of reflection, peace and healing for all. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 2 - Feb. 17, 2026 Council Member Brausen noted that the city council agenda included online resources about the history of Islam in the United States, Ramadan community events and Islamic Minnesota nonprofits. b. Recognition of donations Mayor Mohamed recognized Carl Lundstrom for donating $20 for the park enhancement program at Westwood Hills Nature Center and Bob Fields for donating two prints by wildlife artist Jim Hautman to display at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Council Member Engelking noted that Jim Hautman has won the federal duck stamp national competition seven times. The Westwood Hills Nature Center was honored by the level of this artwork donation. 4. Minutes. a. City council meeting minutes of February 2, 2026 It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Bashore, to approve the minutes of the city council meeting on Feb. 2, 2026, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent items. a. Resolution No. 26-026 approving funding for community education programs b. Resolution No. 26-027 accepting donations to the city to support Westwood Hills Nature Center programs c. Approve city council travel for National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference 2026 d. Resolution No. 26-028 authorizing final payment for 2024 Cedar Lake Road Improvement project (4023-1100) - Ward 4 e. Resolution authorizing agreement with MnDOT for TH 169 and Cedar Lake Road Project - Ward 4 f. Resolution No. 26-029 authorizing participation in Hennepin County Auto Theft Task Force g. Approve replacement of Vactor sewer cleaner with freightliner chassis (unit 1629) Council Member Engelking expressed support for item 5a to approve funding for community education programs, emphasizing the importance of supporting schools and education to keep connections solid. Council Member Bashore expressed gratitude for city support and staff support for travel to the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference 2026 referenced in item 5c. He noted he looked forward to networking with other municipal leaders, meeting with state representatives and getting to know his fellow colleagues better. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 3 - Feb. 17, 2026 Council Member Baudhuin commented on item 5f regarding the Hennepin County Auto Theft Task Force, noting that St. Louis Park ranks sixth in the metro area for car theft. He emphasized that the task force would help address car theft. He reminded residents to lock their car doors and not leave keys in running vehicles. Council Member Brausen remarked on item 5d, noting that parts of the 2024 Cedar Lake Road Improvement Project will be completed in the upcoming season. He anticipated a busy construction season along Cedar Lake Road for the third year in a row with possible additional construction on the west end at Highway 169, pending approval of the MnDOT agreement under regular business. He encouraged residents to be patient throughout the process. It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to move consent item 5e to regular business as item 7c and approve the consent items as amended; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public hearing – none. 7. Regular business. a. First reading of ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the city code related to boards and commissions Mr. Coleman presented the staff report. The presentation highlighted three notable changes resulting from a comprehensive staff review undertaken to address inconsistencies in language and alignment identified through prior 2025 amendments. The first proposed change was removal of standalone purpose sections from the Human Rights Commission and the Environment and Sustainability Commission, on the basis that their powers and duties sections already fully described their purpose and that the extra sections created redundancy. The second proposed change was removal of the qualified voter requirement from all boards and commissions, which staff identified as an inequitable barrier for active residents who are not eligible voters, particularly the immigrant community. The change was described as expanding civic participation and aligning with the city's racial equity and inclusion commitments. The third proposed change was streamlining the Board of Zoning Appeals membership section by removing language duplicated in the Planning Commission requirements. Because the same seven Planning Commission members have also served on the Board of Zoning Appeals since 2021, the change ensures membership updates apply automatically to both bodies and clarifies that stipend payments are not duplicated. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 4 - Feb. 17, 2026 Council Member Budd asked whether the removal of purpose statements was generated by the commissions themselves. Mr. Coleman confirmed it was not and explained it arose from staff review seeking consistent language throughout the chapter. Council Member Bashore asked whether staff had considered expanding or retaining purpose statements as a guidepost for commissioners. Mr. Coleman explained that the advisory nature of each commission is universal, and that the goal was to simplify and maintain consistent language. Ms. Keller added that the powers and duties sections for each commission are individualized and serve the guidance function Council Member Bashore described. Council Member Baudhuin asked whether the city code changes affect commission bylaws. Mr. Coleman confirmed the changes concern the city code only and that commissions retain the ability to amend their bylaws. He noted future conversations would provide more context around what that could look like. Council Member Brausen, who previously served on the Human Rights Commission and was the first chair of the Environment and Sustainability Commission, stated that he did not believe purpose statements needed to be in the city code and that adequate mechanisms exist for commissions to receive direction. He noted that the Environment and Sustainability Commission had previously returned to council with proposals far beyond the city's scope and that the annual commission review process provides a mechanism for council to give direction. Council Member Bashore, having served on the Human Rights Commission, expressed a preference for more expansive purpose statements as a guiding tool and noted they could offer helpful flexibility if a commission's focus needed to shift. He stated he would defer to other mechanisms if the code was not the appropriate place. Council Member Budd stated strong support for purpose statements remaining in the code, citing feedback from boards and commissions that they lacked clarity of purpose. She noted their value when reviewing candidates during interview panels and stated that powers and duties sections are too detailed to serve that function. She stated she would not support the motion as presented but would support advancing the changes while retaining the existing purpose statements until commissions have an opportunity to weigh in. Council Member Engelking stated that understanding the "why" behind each commission is critically important, whether that resides in the code or in a working document for each commission. Council Member Baudhuin stated that while a clear purpose is essential for commissions, he preferred it not be placed in the city code in order to give commissions more autonomy and nimbleness. He indicated he would vote in favor of the motion and committed to following up with commissions to ensure they have what they need to develop clarity and direction. Council Member Budd noted that amending bylaws is a more burdensome process than the current code structure. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 5 - Feb. 17, 2026 It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve the first reading of the ordinance amending various sections of chapter 2 of the city code related to boards and commissions, and to set the second reading for March 2, 2026. The motion passed 5-0 (Council Members Budd and Bashore opposed). b. Resolutions No. 26-030 and 26-031 authorizing agreements for Greenway-Cedar Trail Connection and Streambank Restoration project (4025-2000) - Ward 2 Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report. The project involves construction of approximately a quarter-mile paved multiuse trail adjacent to Minnehaha Creek. It will connect the Cedar Lake Regional Trail to existing trail networks near the Municipal Service Center and Methodist Hospital. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District would design and construct the trail, then transfer ownership and maintenance to the city upon completion. Streambank restoration is also included. Two resolutions were before the council: a cooperative construction agreement with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed establishing a 50/50 cost share and allowing subordinate agreements and property negotiations, and a license agreement with the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority for a 20-to-30-foot portion of trail on rail corridor property. The city's Capital Improvements Projects amount was $300,000. The engineer's estimate is $415,000, representing the city's 50 percent share of an approximately $800,000 total project cost, reduced from over $1,000,000 by a $200,000 Hennepin County grant. Tree removal is planned prior to March 31, 2026, to minimize impacts on migrating bats, birds and bee species. Construction is expected to occur in summer and fall 2026. No public comment was received. Council Member Engelking commended the Engineering Department for managing a complex multi-partner project and described the trail as providing both improved access to the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and a connection to a scenic portion of Minnehaha Creek. He expressed wholehearted support. Council Member Baudhuin described the area as a hidden gem and expressed support for any effort to make it more accessible. Council Member Budd expressed support, specifically noting appreciation for the project being 50 percent funded by an outside entity. Council Member Farris noted she had not visited the area and looked forward to doing so upon completion. Council Member Bashore noted he walks by the area regularly via the Cedar Lake Regional Trail and expressed excitement for the improved connection. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 6 - Feb. 17, 2026 It was moved by Council Member Engelking, seconded by Council Member Bashore, to approve the resolutions for the Greenway to Cedar Trail Connection and Streambank Restoration Project, City Project No. 4025-2000. The motion passed 7-0. c. Resolution No. 26-032 authorizing agreement with MnDOT for TH 169 and Cedar Lake Road Project - Ward 4 Ms. Heiser presented the staff report. The project is MnDOT-led and involves replacement of a traffic signal at the intersection of TH 169 and Cedar Lake Road that is 38 years old, having been built in 1988. The city is responsible for a cost share of approximately $561,000, to be funded through state aid funds, water utility funds for a hydrant replacement and general obligation bonds for the sidewalk component. A key outcome of city advocacy with MnDOT is the inclusion of a new sidewalk on the east side of Jordan Avenue from the TH 169 button hook off-ramp to Cedar Lake Road. MnDOT agreed to narrow lane widths on that segment to accommodate the sidewalk, at a cost to the city of just under $37,000. This was a significant improvement over a prior effort a decade ago when MnDOT declined to reduce lane widths, which would have cost the city approximately $750,000. Additionally, MnDOT is reducing the bridge over TH 169 from four lanes to three, repurposing the space to create a 7.5-foot shoulder on the north side and a 6.5-foot shoulder on the south side to improve pedestrian conditions on the bridge. The Cities of St. Louis Park and Minnetonka both advocated for more, but it would be outside of the scope for this project. MnDOT is planning a full bridge replacement project in 2035, at which time, additional bicycle and pedestrian improvements could be included on a wider bridge. A public meeting was held on Jan. 26, 2026, attended by approximately 14 people. Council Member Brausen confirmed that the sidewalk cost is just under $37,000 and noted that approximately ten years ago, during the Cedar Lake Road rebuild, a standalone city-funded sidewalk along the Jordan Avenue ramp had been estimated at $300,000–$400,000 (later clarified by Ms. Heiser to be closer to $750,000 at that time). He expressed support for the improvement and encouraged continued pursuit of safety enhancements at the intersection, specifically suggesting consideration of a no-right-turn-on-red sign to slow northbound TH 169 traffic turning east onto Cedar Lake Road. He noted the presence of a crosswalk to the east and a crossing guard serving the school. Ms. Heiser confirmed that crosswalk paint is being added on the east leg and on the Park Spanish Immersion Elementary school driveway leg as part of the project. Council Member Baudhuin asked about the extent of the sidewalk. Ms. Heiser confirmed it runs from the exit ramp where traffic comes off the highway north to Cedar Lake Road, connecting to the existing pedestrian network. Council Member Baudhuin asked whether bike infrastructure was included. Ms. Heiser confirmed there is no bike infrastructure on Jordan Avenue in this project and that bike improvements are planned as part of the 2035 bridge replacement, which would require widening the bridge for an all-ages-and-abilities facility. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 7 - Feb. 17, 2026 Council Member Baudhuin noted the sidewalk was discussed with the neighborhood as part of the 2025 pavement management process. He stated he would accept a sidewalk over nothing and expressed a desire for improved bike infrastructure in and out of the neighborhood in the future. Council Member Bashore asked about the City of Minnetonka's involvement. Ms. Heiser explained that the city boundary runs through the middle of TH 169, that Minnetonka approved the agreement at their Feb. 5, 2026, city council meeting and is paying their share, and that no separate agreement with Minnetonka is needed. Mayor Mohamed noted agreement with Council Member Brausen's observation about vehicles failing to stop before turning right at the intersection. Council Member Baudhuin expressed general support for the project. Mayor Mohamed opened the public comment period. Sylvie Hyman, 9200 West 28th Street, stated that Jordan Avenue is the only legal access to and from her dead-end street and that she has been advocating for a sidewalk since moving there. She expressed strong excitement about the sidewalk improvement, noting nine children on her street attend Park Spanish Immersion Elementary and will eventually use the sidewalk and bike lanes on Cedar Lake Road to travel to St. Louis Park Middle School. Her primary concern was the pedestrian crossing distance at Cedar Lake Road, which she noted would exceed 40 feet under the current MnDOT plans. She stated that a narrowed crossing distance or safety island would significantly improve safety for children walking to school and expressed doubt that most parents on her street would permit children to walk to school with the current crossing design. She also noted the continued need to push MnDOT on safety improvements, acknowledging the progress made while calling for more. Mayor Mohamed closed the public comment period. Ms. Keller clarified for the record that the motion before the council was to adopt the agreement as currently drafted and that comments regarding future safety improvements would be addressed through separate future processes. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the resolution authorizing the agreement with MnDOT for TH 196 and Cedar Lake Road Project – Ward 4. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications and announcements – none. Ms. Keller announced that on Feb. 23, 2026, the city council would not be convening for its study session meeting but would instead hold its annual retreat workshop on Feb. 26 and 27, 2026. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7 City council meeting - 8 - Feb. 17, 2026 Council Member Baudhuin noted that Feb. 19, 2026, is the Day of Remembrance for Japanese American incarceration. This was the date in 1942 upon which President Franklin Roosevelt signed the executive order authorizing the internment of American citizens of Japanese heritage. Council Member Bashore announced that the Bronx Park Neighborhood Association will host a Winter Fun Day on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Dakota Park in Ward 1, with yard games and treats. Mayor Mohamed extended Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem greetings to all Muslims in St. Louis Park and beyond and acknowledged Ash Wednesday, recognizing that Christians are entering the season of Lent. She reflected on the significance of the Day of Remembrance for Japanese American incarceration, noting that this history was not taught to her until college. She emphasized the importance of governments and residents learning from and acknowledging this period of history in light of present-day parallels. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited and finalized by a city staff person. Docusign Envelope ID: CDCBCAE1-8A09-4E4D-8C34-C6A9AFE193F7