HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/06/01 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
June 1, 2026
1. Call to order.
Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
a. Pledge of Allegiance.
b. 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: city manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), city attorney (Mr.
Mattick), engineering project manager (Mr. Elgaard), public works director (Mr. Hall),
engineering director (Ms. Heiser), deputy engineering director (Mr. Sullivan)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Presentations.
a. Proclamation observing the United States of America's 250th anniversary
Council Member Brausen read the proclamation recognizing the 250th anniversary of the
adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
b. Proclamation observing Immigrant Heritage Month
Council Member Baudhuin read the proclamation acknowledging Minnesota's long history as a
destination for immigrants. He recognized the contributions immigrants make to the state and
city and noted community actions taken during heightened federal immigration enforcement.
Council Member Baudhuin noted the proclamation was read the day after the people of the
Twin Cities received the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award, adding that award
organizers indicated there were too many deserving leaders in the Twin Cities area to recognize
all of them.
Mayor Mohamed stated that she is herself a proud immigrant; she affirmed the ongoing
contributions of immigrants to Minnesota's economy, politics and schools.
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c. Proclamation observing LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Council Member Bashore read the proclamation recognizing the LGBTQ+ community as an
integral part of St. Louis Park's diversity.
Council Member Bashore shared that as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the city's
recognition of Pride Month was personally meaningful and was a direct factor in his decision to
make St. Louis Park his home.
Mayor Mohamed noted that being a welcoming and inclusive city has remained a core strategic
priority across multiple planning cycles.
4. Minutes.
a. City council meeting minutes of May 18, 2026
b. Special study session meeting minutes of May 18, 2026
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve
the city council and special study session meeting minutes of May 18, 2026, as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Consent items.
a. Approve city disbursements
b. Resolution No. 26-080 accepting donations to the city to support the Access to Fun
scholarship program - first quarter
c. Resolution No. 26-081 approving 2025 calendar year financial transfers to/out other
funds
d. Resolution No. 26-082 approving presale of 2026 debt issuance
e. Resolution No. 26-083 electing not to waive the statutory tort limits for liability
insurance
f. Resolution No. 26-084 approving 2026-2028 LELS Local #623 Deputy Police Chief labor
agreement
g. Approve temporary seasonal premises amendment for liquor establishment
h. Approve Change Orders No. 1 and 2 for the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue
Improvements Project – Phase 2 (4024-1100) – Ward 4
Council Member Brausen highlighted two items. Regarding item 5h, he noted the city took
necessary steps to address groundwater and stormwater issues discovered during construction
on Cedar Lake Road and expressed appreciation for approving the change orders needed to
complete the work.
Regarding item 5f, Council Member Brausen commended the Human Resources department for
successfully negotiating the three-year Deputy Police Chief labor agreement.
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Council Member Budd highlighted item 5b, noting that 114 community members made
contributions to the Access to Fun scholarship fund in the first quarter. The program allows
lower-income and larger families to access city recreation programs at a discounted rate.
It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve
the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
6. Public hearings - none.
7. Regular business.
a. Resolution No. 26-085 approving preliminary layout for Hennepin County Minnetonka
Boulevard reconstruction project phase 2 (4028-7000) Wards 1 and 3
Mr. Elgaard, Engineering Project Manager, presented the staff report and introduced Mr.
Staebell, Project Engineer for Hennepin County. The presentation addressed community
questions raised at the public hearing on May 4, 2026, and outlined staff’s recommendation to
approve Concept B as the preliminary layout.
Mr. Staebell provided a project overview. The reconstruction covers Minnetonka Boulevard
(County Road 5) from Highway 100 to Aquila Avenue; the first full reconstruction of this
segment since approximately 1956. The project scope includes roadway surface reconstruction,
ADA improvements, pedestrian crossing enhancements, signal replacements, off-street mixed-
use trail construction, improved drainage and stormwater treatment and, with city support,
water main replacement and utility upgrades. Concept B features one travel lane in each
direction mirroring the existing lane configuration, with shared-use trails on both sides.
Mr. Staebell addressed questions received at the public hearing held on May 4, 2026.
Regarding questions about speed limits, he explained that speed limits on county roads require
MnDOT commissioner approval following a post-construction speed study, with a minimum of
30 mph; he noted that Phase 1 supported a reduction to 30 mph after construction following
the speed study.
Regarding questions on widening the lanes or adding on-street bike lanes, he explained that
adding them would require widening the road, which would reduce boulevard green space,
limit tree planting opportunities, and potentially increase vehicle speeds. He confirmed that
bicycles are permitted to use travel lanes under any design.
With respect to emergency vehicle response, Mr. Staebell stated that city staff worked with fire
and police, who expressed no concerns, and that the proposed width matches Cedar Lake Road
west of Louisiana.
Addressing traffic impacts on parallel city streets, he confirmed the road remains a two-lane
corridor as it is today, with no parking changes, carrying approximately 12,000 vehicles per day,
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the proposed design is capable of supporting the existing and proposed future traffic volumes
and no impacts to adjacent parallel streets are expected.
Addressing business impacts adjacent to road diet projects, he clarified that this project is not a
road diet as no travel lanes are being removed, and that the primary challenge is temporary
impacts during construction rather than long term impacts with the final roadway design. He
also stated the project team has been in contact with businesses, offering material to help
prepare for the upcoming construction, and will continue to coordinate with businesses into
construction.
Mr. Elgaard addressed remaining questions from the public hearing held on May 4, 2026.
With respect to questions about e-bikes and micromobility, he acknowledged the community’s
concerns as valid and noted that e-bikes are permitted on trails per state statute. He confirmed
staff will continue monitoring as usage grows. He also noted that compliance issues, such as
cyclists using pedestrian paths and pedestrians using cycle tracks, are commonly heard from
the community, and that conflicts between pedestrians and mobility devices exist across all
design concepts.
Mr. Elgaard addressed a specific question about combining the cycle track and sidewalk from
Concept A into a single shared facility separated from the road (referred to as "Concept A
Prime"). He explained this would increase the facility width due to MnDOT requirements for
tactile delineation strips between bike and pedestrian zones, resulting in approximately
$2,800,000 in additional project costs, raising the city cost share to approximately $13,600,000
— about $2,200,000 over the current city CIP. He further noted the wider facility would require
two plow passes, potentially double the yearly maintenance cost of Concept B, and could result
in more tree removals. If the tactile delineation strips prove problematic for snow removal
efforts, the yearly maintenance cost could be similar to the original Concept A.
On signing and striping of the shared-use trail in Concept B, Mr. Elgaard noted this is not
standard practice and staff recommended allowing the trail to operate for approximately one
year before evaluating the need for additional markings.
On next steps should the council not approve Concept B tonight, that additional work would be
required to revise a concept and staff would return again for approval at a later date. He also
confirmed that if council did not approve a concept and requested significant changes that the
process of reengaging the public for feedback and potential open houses could delay
construction to the 2029 season.
Mr. Elgaard presented overhead utility undergrounding costs.
Segment 1, between Highway 100 and Blackstone Avenue, is estimated at $200,000 to
underground. Segment 2, between Oregon and Aquila Avenue, is estimated at $5,300,000, due
to its regional nature and connection to a substation requiring concrete vaults and encasement.
The total undergrounding cost for both segments is approximately $5,500,000, not including
private service reconnection costs averaging $9,000 per property; costs the city covered for
property owners during Phase 1.
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City Requested Special Facilities Surcharge (CRFS) was presented as the funding mechanism. For
Segment 1 only, a two-year CRFS would result in a $0.29 monthly increase for residential
properties. To underground both segments, a four-year or five-year CRFS option was outlined,
with the four-year option carrying a higher monthly rate but lower total cost over the term. Mr.
Elgaard noted that staff will return to the council later in 2026 for a final decision on
undergrounding; no decision was requested at this meeting.
The total estimated project cost for Concept B is $39,220,000. Hennepin County contributes
$26,220,000, including $7,000,000 in federal funding with the remainder from county state aid
and metro sales tax funds. The city's cost share is approximately $13,000,000.
The mayor opened the public comment period.
Lynn Carper, 4010 Highwood Road, asked whether the removal of overhead utilities had been
considered in the context of the eruv — a continuous boundary used by the Jewish community
— and whether undergrounding could disrupt it.
Mr. Elgaard shared that the eruv was addressed during Phase 1, where staff worked with faith
leaders to ensure the line was never broken and a suitable alternative was established when
poles were removed. Phase 2 is not expected to impact the eruv.
Justin Joplin, 3053 Nevada Avenue South, expressed support for Concept B. He noted that as an
e-bike rider traveling at approximately 15 to 16 mph, he recognized the speed differential
relative to pedestrians and affirmed that the responsibility to be respectful of others sharing
the path falls on faster-traveling users.
The mayor closed the public comment period.
Council Member Brausen asked about the shoulder width for cyclists who prefer to ride on the
road. Mr. Staebell responded that the road will have no shoulder; travel lanes will be 11 feet
wide plus a gutter pan, totaling 13 feet.
Council Member Baudhuin asked whether the city had received complaints about increased
traffic on adjacent residential streets following Phase 1. Staff indicated they were not aware of
any such complaints but offered to investigate further.
Council Member Budd asked for clarification on bicycles using travel lanes. Mr. Elgaard
confirmed that under Minnesota law, bicycles are permitted to use travel lanes where they do
not reasonably obstruct the flow of traffic.
Council Member Budd asked whether the city had authority to set speed limits for e-bikes. Mr.
Sullivan shared that e-bike regulation is currently being discussed at the state level, and that
the city is monitoring those developments alongside other agencies such as the Three Rivers
Park District, preferring a consistent statewide approach over independent local regulation.
Council Member Budd stated her support for Concept B, citing positive personal experience
with shared-use trails and expressing confidence they can function well.
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Council Member Baudhuin expressed appreciation for the staff's work and their responsiveness
to public hearing questions but stated disappointment with the level of bicycle infrastructure in
the project. He indicated support for Concept B overall but pushed for greater ambition in bike
and pedestrian infrastructure citywide, noting that the city's own strategic vision documents
include goals around multimodal transportation. He shared that he found the finished Phase 1
trail underwhelming as a cyclist. He questioned why the city would wait a year before
considering signage on the shared-use trail, suggesting that wayfinding markings would be a
more hospitable and inviting approach from the outset.
Council Member Brausen expressed support for Concept B. He acknowledged Council Member
Baudhuin's concerns and noted the difficulty of retrofitting expanded infrastructure into an
already built-up city. He commented on compliance issues he has personally observed on Cedar
Lake Road and the North Cedar Lake Trail, including cyclists and pedestrians using the wrong
facilities, and echoed support for better signage. He stated anticipation for the road
reconstruction given the current condition of the pavement.
Council Member Bashore expressed support for Concept B. He noted positive feedback from
Ward 1 residents who use the Phase 1 shared-use path and indicated willingness to wait a year
post-construction before evaluating signage needs. He addressed concerns about traffic
diversion, stating that because no travel lanes are being removed, no significant diversion is
expected. He also referenced the city's track record communicating business accessibility
during the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue improvements project as a model for
supporting businesses along the corridor during construction. He noted that 1,300 to 1,400
points of community input were collected over the course of this process and encouraged
residents to continue participating in future open houses and input opportunities.
Council Member Engelking expressed support for Concept B. He raised concern about
increasingly powerful e-bikes used by young riders with limited judgment. He also noted the
need for education around cars making right turns across the shared-use path at side street
intersections.
Council Member Engelking asked whether stop signs at side streets would be located before or
after the trail crossing. Mr. Elgaard confirmed that stop signs would be positioned in front of
the trail, meaning vehicles would stop prior to crossing the trail before reaching the
Minnetonka Boulevard intersection.
Mayor Mohamed expressed support for Concept B. She acknowledged Council Member
Baudhuin's comments on bike infrastructure goals and noted that no single project will achieve
those goals on its own, but that each project represents an opportunity to make progress. She
encouraged all residents to learn to use new infrastructure as it is built, including the shared-
use trails.
It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve
the resolution approving the preliminary layout for the Hennepin County Minnetonka Boulevard
reconstruction project phase 2.
The motion passed 7-0.
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8. Communications and announcements – none.
Mayor Mohamed announced the State of the Community event on June 2, 2026, co-presented
with City Manager Ms. Keller at the Westwood Nature Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with
programming beginning at 5:00 p.m. and concluding at 6:00 p.m.
Council Member Baudhuin encouraged residents to support businesses in the Cedar Lake Road
and Louisiana Avenue area, noting that construction has made access difficult and that the
community should make an extra effort to patronize small local businesses there throughout
the summer.
Council Member Farris invited residents to the St. Louis Park Basketball at the Park program,
running every Thursday from June 18 through Aug. 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at
Ainsworth Park. The program is sponsored by Missions Inc., the St. Louis Park Police
Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department. The event series includes food and
is open to all.
Council Member Budd reminded parents and guardians that June 21, 2026, is designated “Ask
Day” in St. Louis Park — an initiative encouraging adults to ask whether firearms are safely
secured before children visit other homes.
Council Member Bashore announced the first St. Louis Park Pride Pop-Up event on June 6,
2026, from 11:00 a.m. at Wolfe Park, featuring picnic activities, games, arts and crafts and a
march starting at 2:00 p.m.
Ms. Keller announced that the outdoor aquatic park opens June 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The “First
Day of Summer” event for kids is June 6, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the aquatic park with
discounted food.
The city's semi-annual cleanup day also takes place June 7, 2026, at the municipal service
center, accepting bulky items and electronics from St. Louis Park residents.
Council Member Engelking announced a grand opening ribbon cutting for Razor King, a BIPOC-
owned business relocating to St. Louis Park on Excelsior Avenue near Grand, on June 7, 2026,
with a ribbon-cutting at 10:00 a.m.
9. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 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.
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