HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/01/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Jan. 21, 2020
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Anne
Mavity, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Knutson), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms.
Barton), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Project
Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Planner (Ms. Monson),
Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior Management
Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Mr. Berg, DJR Architects; residents of Fern Hill Neighborhood, Minnetonka Mayor Brad
Wiersum; Dave Unmacht, League of MN Cities Executive Director; Ted Akers, Bill Byer, Henry
Solmer, St. Louis Park Historical Society; Fr. Joseph Johnson.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. League of MN Cities presentation
Mayor Wiersum of the City of Minnetonka and Mr. Unmacht, Executive Director,
thanked the council and City of St. Louis Park for their active involvement and
collaboration with the League of MN Cities, along with their collaboration with other
cities represented by the League. They also thanked city staff for their time and effort,
and Councilmembers Kraft and Mohamed for attending the upcoming conference.
Councilmember Mavity stated in her ten years on the council, she has found the work
League of MN Cities does to be useful, adding when the League focused on race equity
issues, hosted learning sessions about it, and policies and procedures around it, there
was an enormous impact felt in St. Louis Park and across the state. She added she
appreciates and thanks the League for their courage here.
Councilmember Kraft asked if there is a policy committee around climate change.
Mr. Unmacht stated yes there is, adding Councilmember Kraft will be able to learn and
contribute to those conversations. Minnetonka Mayor Wiersum added climate change
was a specific topic at the recent League Board retreat in the fall was put on their to do
list.
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Mayor Spano stated all cities face challenging issues and can get great benefit and cost-
saving measures when cities collaborate, and this is what the League helps to do, along
with being an effective and strong voice for Minnesota in Washington, DC. He thanked
the League for their help in making sure issues are addressed at the legislature.
2b. Historical Society presentation of book “Places in the Park”
Historical Society president Ted Akers, along with members Henry Solmer and Bill Byer,
presented the “Places in the Park” book to the council members , which is a collection of
St. Louis Park history. They are very excited about the new book, and referred residents
to their website, SLPhistory.org, to purchase copies or learn more about the history of
St. Louis Park.
Mayor Spano thanked the members, on behalf of the council, for their work on the
book. Mr. Akers noted all monies raised from the sale of the book, at $20 per copy, go
directly back into the Historical Society, as does all money generated from fundraising
efforts.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Dec. 2, 2019
Councilmember Harris noted an addition to her comments on page 5 which should read,
“Councilmember Harris stated she appreciates residents and staff taking a pause to
talk. She stated over the past six months she received dozens of requests about the
design of the roadway, both in opposition and in support. She noted neighbor requests
are sometimes at odds with one another and staff. Councilmember Harris discussed
methods to reduce speeding, create safer crossings for people who walk, minimize
potential parking impacts, and add safe bike lanes. She stated she supports the
project which results in added parking; and buffered bike lanes through a pilot project.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the Dec. 2, 2019 meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session minutes of Dec. 9, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
the Dec. 9, 2019 study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
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4a. Adopt Resolution No. 20-007 rescinding Resolution 00-045 and authorizing the
installation of timed parking restrictions at 3381 Gorham Avenue.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 20-008 rescinding Resolutions 89-143, 90-10, and 92-139
and authorizing the installation of permit parking restrictions on the 3900 block
of Princeton Avenue.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 20-009 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions
on the east side of Joppa Ave. between Minnetonka Blvd. and the north County
Road 25 Service Drive.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 20-010 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions
on the south side of Wayzata Boulevard from Louisiana Avenue to Zarthan
Avenue.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 20-011 authorizing all-way stop controls on Toledo Avenue
at 42nd Street.
4f. Approve replacement of 2013 Elgin Pelican street sweeper.
4g. Approve the appointment of Lt. Greg Weigel as the secondary representative
from the police department to the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board
(MESB), 9-1-1 Technical Operations Committee (TOC). Lt. Weigel would replace
Deputy Chief Bryan Kruelle who was approved in October 2018 as the secondary
member for the police department.
4h. Approve the 2019 Pay Equity Report.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 20-012 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 5512 West 25 ½ Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota. P.I.D.
09-117-21-24-0045.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to
approve the agenda as presented and items listed on the consent calendar; and to waive
reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. 2020 Pavement Management Project – Fern Hill (4020-1000)
Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report.
Councilmember Rog asked how many trees would be removed on Basswood Road. Mr.
Wiesen stated staff is hoping to save all but two trees on Basswood Road.
Councilmember Rog asked about the city’s success rate on saving trees. Ms. Heiser
stated staff works closely with the city forester and in the last ten years, has had a good
success rate and not lost any trees.
Councilmember Rog stated she is concerned with emergency vehicles passing on the
street, which is planned to go down to 28 feet wide. Mr. Wiesen stated police and fire
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have reviewed our street width standards and there have been no concerns raised
about the 28 feet, with parking on both sides. Likewise, he added, there are no concerns
from staff about snow removal and parking.
Councilmember Harris noted resident feedback related to sidewalk segments and gap
sidewalks and asked which will be added here. Ms. Heiser stated these areas are
identified by staff, as it relates to neighborhood livability, and not to Connect the Park
projects.
Mayor Spano asked about the cost of the project noting CIP budgeted $5.6 million and
yet it comes in under that. He asked staff what changed. Mr. Wiesen stated costs are
initially calculated in the planning phase and then after gathering design information
and resident feedback, the cost of the project was less than anticipated.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Shereen Rahamim, 4248 Basswood Rd., stated she is a longtime resident and
respectfully requests the council leave her street alone. She is concerned about
narrowing the street, as it is many times blocked already, and will not leave enough
room for cars to maneuver. She is also opposed to adding sidewalks, adding that many
folks in the neighborhood walk in the street to synagogue, and she has concerns about
neighbors losing their landscaping and trees.
Susan Landwher Marshall, 4241 Basswood Rd., stated she does not want sidewalks
added and decreasing pavement and then adding more concrete does not make sense
to her. She stated they are very unhappy with the proposal and losing trees, lampposts
and sprinkler systems, noting it will be impossible for them to shovel sidewalks, and
their expenses would double. She stated their street traffic is very modest and she is
firmly opposed to narrowing the street and adding sidewalks.
Toni Halleen, 4255 Basswood Rd., stated she is opposed to curbs, sidewalks, and
narrowing the street. She moved here from Chicago and has been in Fern Hill for ten
years. Ms. Halleen stated this is the best place to live, with wide streets, sprawling
lawns, and groups able to walk across the whole street. She is concerned about impact
to her landscaping and being responsible for shoveling and salting and does not want
the liability if anyone were injured. She asked the council to not remove the green and
put in sidewalks.
Megan Prindville, 4221 Basswood Rd., stated she is a hypocrite here tonight, because
she almost didn’t move into the neighborhood because of the lack of sidewalks.
However, over time, she fell in love with her house and the neighborhood and now
loves the wide streets. She is opposed to narrowing the street and adding sidewalks and
asked the council to consider this.
Steven Schoonberger, 4235 Basswood Rd., stated he agrees with all his neighbor’s
comments and wants to preserve trees and the nature of the street. He stated biking on
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sidewalks will be dangerous, and his neighbors walk to synagogue all the time in the
street. He has concerns related to costs and no significant benefit.
Edward Jorczyk, 4100 Basswood Rd., stated he moved to St. Louis Park in 1981 and
chose this neighborhood because of the wide streets and large lawns . He is opposed to
narrowing the streets and adding sidewalks in this park-like setting and encouraged the
council to leave it as it is.
Steve Duncan, 4100 Basswood Rd., stated this is an amazing street and neighborhood,
and he does not want to see it change. He stated there are some sidewalks in the area,
but no one uses them. He added he works from home, his office faces the street, he
does not see many cars go by during the day, and the cars do not speed. He stated this
plan might deter the sale of homes in the area as well, and he is opposed to it.
Tim Engstrom, 4013 Basswood Rd., stated he has concerns that the concept of
narrowing streets at this location is based on a National Council of Cities Transportation
Committee recommendation; however, this is a local issue. He stated this is decreasing
bituminous areas, but then increasing sidewalks, which is troubling. He asked the
council to not change the area and leave it as it is.
Howard Bach, 4237 W. 25th St., asked if sidewalks are added, what will be gained, noting
it will most likely increase traffic in the area. He is opposed to the project and asked the
council to vote against it.
Arielle Kaufman, 4421 W. 25th St., has concerns with traffic if streets are narrowed and
asked to keep the street as it is.
Jeremy Wunsch, 2510 Monterey Ave., stated the neighborhood wants to keep the street
width as is, adding his back-yard floods every year, but he still loves their space,
location, and uses the front yard to entertain. He does not want to lose the front yard,
along with a raised flower bed at the triangle end of the block that his wife has planted
to keep bees and butterflies in the area. He asked the council to keep it as it is.
Ann Drew Yu, 2636 Lynn Ave., stated she has lived there 24 years and is asking that the
width not be reduced to 28 feet. She stated many of their neighbors are Orthodox Jews,
and she worries about their safety walking along the street, if the street is narrowed .
She also has concerns about the winter months and cars being able to pass on the street
if it is narrowed and with snow piles. She stated it will be a further challenge to get their
cars out of their garages, especially during significant snow falls. She thanked the council
for their consideration and looking at these issues in advance of taking a vote.
Bernie Vlosky, 4330 W. 25th St., thanked the council for reviewing this in advance and
staff for their assistance and allowing neighborhood feedback. He stated he is
concerned about folks walking to synagogue, and also wants to look into rain gardens in
the area to help with rain runoff.
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Bob Kusnetz, 2530 Inglewood Ave. S., stated he has concerns with backing out of his
driveway and about emergency vehicles if the streets are narrowed. He stated the
danger will be more than the benefit if the street is narrowed.
Andrea Zuckman, 2617 Lynn Ave. S., stated emergency vehicles will not be able to get
down the street if cars are parked on both sides of the street. She also noted that
backing out of garages will be difficult and there will be issues with pedestrian traffic.
She stated she is opposed to narrowing the street.
Peggy Weller, 4013 Basswood Rd., stated she is wishy-washy about this but had
communication with staff which has been helpful. She stated her preference is to leave
it all alone, while she has concerns about underground sprinklers having to be removed
and concerns about cyclists and where they would be – on the street or sidewalks. She
stated; however, if the street is narrowed, she then prefers sidewalks be added.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the city would be involved in moving resident’s
underground irrigation. Mr. Wiesen stated that is the responsibility of the homeowner
but noted the city would be responsible for replacing any trees removed or retaining
walls.
It was noted council will take final action on this item at the Feb. 3, 2020 meeting.
6b. Public Hearing Parkway Residencies alley vacation
Ms. Monson presented the report which includes recommended action in agenda item
8a.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
The recommended action to vacate the alley is included in agenda item 8a.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Parkway Residences Redevelopment Project Resolution No. 20-013 and
Resolution No. 20-014
Ms. Monson presented the staff report.
Councilmember Rog stated this is a really good location for high density and she is very
happy the plan to support the displacement of NOAH property residents is working. She
stated she will support this. Councilmember Rog asked if there is access to the Cedar
Lake Trail from this property. Ms. Monson stated there is no direct access, but concept
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plans for CSAH 25 include bike and trail connections to the Beltline Station where the
trail is accessed.
Councilmember Harris stated it is a terrific project, which cares about affordable
housing. She asked if there is on-street parking included as part of the proof of parking,
and if there is a snow emergency in the winter, where will residents park .
Ms. Monson stated there are exemptions in high density areas, and the assumption is
this will be handled in a similar way, along with extra parking created on the
development. She added there most likely will also be less demand for parking in the
future.
Councilmember Harris asked if residents might have access to park in other adjoining
buildings. Ms. Monson stated no, as there will be secure access for the other buildings.
Councilmember Kraft agreed this is a good location for high density and asked about
meeting the requirements of the Climate Action Plan, the heating methods for the
development, and if solar readiness will be utilized as part of the development plans .
Mr. Berg, DJR Architects, stated the buildings are being designed as solar ready, and
solar will be investigated as an attribute. He added they are looking at using electrical
for heating vs. natural gas, working with Xcel on energy usage costs, and using the most
efficient plan as the project moves forward.
Councilmember Kraft asked if Parkway 25 is LEED Silver. Mr. Berg stated yes, adding
they are working beyond this to extend elements in order to be more energy efficient .
Councilmember Mavity stated she will support the amendments this evening and agrees
this is a very creative project, which addresses multiple city goals. She applauded
Councilmember Rog’s early leadership on this to ensure affordable housing was
retained and being visionary. She stated the project is a good balance, with lower
density buildings that provide affordability, while it also supports higher density as well
and is two blocks from the Lake Street light rail station. Councilmember Mavity stated
she would dissuade the developer from overusing the parking especially since the
project is so close to light rail.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is happy to hear abou t the climate action work
taking place here and that the developer is compensating existing residents. She asked
how many NOAH units are at the development. Ms. Monson stated there are 24 units.
Councilmember Mohamed asked if the developer is replacing all NOAH at a 1 to 1 ratio.
Ms. Monson stated yes, and because the developer chose to do 10% at 50% AMI, the
amount is actually higher than 1 to 1, adding 4 more additional affordable units under
the inclusionary housing policy.
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It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-013, approving the amendments to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Plan Map, as well as related figures, tables, and text.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-014, approving the preliminary and final plat for Manhattan Park
Second Addition. Additionally, this change is conditional on Metropolitan Council
approval.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the first reading of an ordinance vacating the alley between 31st Street West and the
Highway 7 Frontage Road between Glenhurst Avenue and Inglewood Avenue and set the
second reading for Feb. 3, 2020. Additionally, this change is conditional on Metropolitan
Council approval.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the first reading of an ordinance adding Section 36-268-PUD 15 to the Zoning Code and
amending the Zoning Map from C-2 General Commercial and R-4 Multiple Family
Residential to PUD 15, and set the second reading for Feb. 3, 2020. Additionally, this
change is conditional on Metropolitan Council approval.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Holy Family Academy expansion Resolution No. 20-015 and Resolution No. 20-
016
Ms. Kramer presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kraft asked if the roof will be solar ready and if they will consider
installing solar panels when doing construction. Fr. Joseph Johnson stated this is
currently under consideration.
Councilmember Rog stated she is excited about the potential here, and complimented
Fr. Johnson and his group on recognizing the history and reaching out to the neighbors
to provide information. She was interested that the school will not be increasing the
number of students in the building, and yet are expanding the building and a lso saving
the rectory. Councilmember Rog added she does not foresee any added traffic to the
area, in light of the expansion.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-015, approving the amendment to the conditional use permit subject
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to the conditions recommended by staff and to adopt Resolution No. 20-016, approving
the preliminary and final plat subject to the conditions recommended by staff.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. TS 713 – Authorize traffic control changes on Quebec Avenue at 29th Street
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. He noted in order to approve the traffic
committee’s recommendation, a change to the ordinance is required . Therefore, staff
recommends rescinding the ordinance in its entirety and implementing the traffic
controls included in it through resolutions.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the traffic committee recommendation to install two-way stop signs on Quebec
Avenue at 29th Street.
The motion passed 7-0.
8d. Local option sales tax
Ms. Solano presented the staff report.
Councilmember Mavity stated the council has looked at this issue extensively and she
thanked staff for all their work on this, along with the U of MN study on how many folks
use the city’s roads. She stated this is a simple and straightforward question and would
preserve and ensure others contribute for road repairs and maintenance of the city’s
roads, thereby residents would not have to pay 100% for the road maintenance.
Councilmember Mavity added funding by the legislature is hard to predict, and other
cities may also do a sales tax, so St. Louis Park should be a part of that as well. She noted
there will be ample time to educate residents and ensure they understand the sales tax,
and ultimately, this won’t happen unless residents vote in favor of this. She stated the
city should not miss this opportunity to send a clear message to legislators, and she will
support moving this forward.
Councilmember Brausen agreed and stated from the U of MN study, it was noted the
majority of purchases made in the city are from those not living in city. This will shift the
burden to non-residents. He supports continuing to look into this and added the city’s
legislators will carry this forward while the political climate is ripe for this to move
ahead. He noted this does not hurt the city by asking for this authority, and then
spending time studying and educating and listening to what residents want. He stated
he will support this.
Councilmember Harris stated she has had several conversations with small business
owners and residents, to learn how this might impact them or their business. She stated
as a representative of the residents and businesses in the community, her goal is to
reduce what residents would pay, adding this measure would fulfil this goal . She stated
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there will need to be a groundswell of support created to help this as a long-term game
plan. She stated she would like to research this further.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she understands the issue here, but growing up in a
family with 5 children, going to movies and restaurants was a luxury, and many in the
city would not be able to have fun in their own city, if this sales tax were implemented.
She stated she would like to research this further before moving ahead.
Councilmember Rog stated she has not had enough t ime to study this either, and once
momentum starts on this, it is likely it will move forward. She added the city needs to
hear more feedback from the business community and she would like to know the
administrative costs to the city for doing this. She added that since municipalities across
the state will be experiencing a shortage of funds, a better strategy would be to
collaborate to lobby the legislature for dedicated funds, rather than implement a local
sales tax which removes the need for the state to provide the funding it is obligated to
provide.
Councilmember Kraft added conceptually he is drawn to having those outside the
community that use the city roads pay for them; however, this is a complex issue. He
wants to more thoroughly understand any negative impacts to business sales by
implementing a sales tax. Sales taxes are more regressive. He stated he is interested in
the overall tax burden to city residents and will oppose moving forward on this at this
time.
Mayor Spano stated he discussed this during his campaign and is interested in sharing
the burden; however, he does agree it is regressive. He continued that in the absence of
action from state, it should be studied. He stated he wants to see this move forward,
but also wants to be sure the community understands what is happening, so he will not
support moving ahead at this time and would like to study it more .
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to continue
studying the use of a local option sales tax over the next year and determine next steps
for the 2021 legislative session.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Harris noted this Saturday, Jan. 25, is the city’s annual winter fun day from 12
noon – 4 p.m. at Oak Hill Park, where there will be hayrides, presentations from the nature
center, and Discover St. Louis Park will be in attendance as well. More information is available
on the city website and admission is free.
Councilmember Rog noted on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m., the city clerk’s office and the
secretary of state will present on the presidential primary and caucus processes at the Lenox
Community Center. All are welcome to attend.
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Councilmember Rog noted on Friday, Jan. 31, the Friends of the Arts will showcase an artist,
and more information is available on their website.
Ms. Solano stated applications for the city’s boards and commissions will be accepted until the
end of February, and those interested can check the city’s website for further information.
Mayor Spano noted the annual Empty Bowls STEP fundraising event will take place on
February 3, in the afternoon and evening, at Westwood Lutheran Church.
Councilmember Harris noted there are franchise agreement focus groups open to public
participation and there is more information on the city website.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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