Idea Transcript
OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA AUGUST 21, 2017 1.
Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jake Spano and Gregg Lindberg. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), Police Chief Harcey, Fire Chief Koering, Deputy Director and Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Astein Osei, St. Louis Park School Superintendent, Sarah Johnson, Sandy Seline, Tom Bravo, Judy Hoskins, St. Louis Park School Administrative Staff; Jake Schwedering, CenterPoint Energy; and Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek. 1a. 1b. 2.
Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call
Presentations 2a.
St. Louis Park School District Referendum Update
Mr. Osei introduced the presenters, who spoke on the upcoming bond referendum for St. Louis Park schools. Ms. Seline discussed planned improvements and financial impacts of the referendum. Mr. Bravo explained details related to facilities improvements. Ms. Johnson discussed the district’s strategic plan for 2015- 2020 and how the referendum will help to provide better education for St. Louis Park students, which will energize and enhance their spirit. Ms. Seline noted that the tax impact for families living in a $250,000 St. Louis Park home will be about $12 per month or $148 per year, based on the tax value of each home. She also noted that the school district, as well as the city, received a very good review on the bond rating, which will be an asset in helping to move the referendum forward. She added that a financial advisory committee has been appointed to help develop the district budget and ensure fiscal responsibility. Ms. Johnson pointed out the district’s increasing enrollment; aging facilities; need for flexible learning spaces to accommodate next century learning; and need for improved technical infrastructure to support learning. She also pointed out the need for schools of the future to become community centers for after school, evening and weekend gathering spaces. A video was shown providing details of the proposed changes to the schools.
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It was noted that two questions will be provided to voters: 1. to vote for an operating referendum with no tax increase; and, 2. to vote for a bond referendum of $100.9 million, which will provide improvements at the middle and high school. Mr. Bravo and Ms. Hoskins went on to explain what changes would take place and the list of projects if the referendum passes. These include improvements and changes to the following: • • •
• •
Remodeling of the early childhood and Spanish Immersion School space to accommodate the district office and updating the kitchen, while maintaining the Central clinic, gymnastics gym, and pool. Remodeling the elementary schools (with the Spanish Immersion School moving to Cedar Manor); securing all entrances; adding air conditioning; updating furniture; and updating all kitchens. Additions to the Middle School of classrooms, science labs, expanded lunchroom, updated kitchen; office with a secure entry; performing arts space; orchestra room; renovated media center; and 10 next century classrooms with flexible areas for pods. Relocation of the district office from the High School to Central and renovation of the former district office space into classrooms. Additions to the High School of a new commons area; new learning commons; media center, and new centralized kitchen. Also, renovation of the weight, fitness and locker rooms.
Councilmember Mavity congratulated the group and welcomed new Superintendent Osei. She said as she is running for re-election this year, she has been receiving many questions regarding the referendum. She asked if the group could provide a two-minute elevator speech with key messages related to the referendum. Mr. Osei stated that a one-page document is available in tonight’s council report materials. He added that public education is preparing students for jobs that do not even exist today. If the district wants to remain competitive, the facilities must match the learning expectations in order to prepare students for when they move on to college and beyond. Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciated the presentation and noted he is also running for re-election. He stated that he would endorse the referendum and encourage voters to support it. Councilmember Brausen also noted, assuming the referendum is approved, this is a large amount of spending and given both the district and city’s interest in promoting racial equity and minority businesses he would encourage the district to include provisions for minority hiring in contracts. Mr. Osei stated yes, and then noted that St. Louis Park’s student population is 42% of color, and yet the district staff does not reflect the diversity of the student population. He stated they are working to hire more teachers of color. Councilmember Brausen stated it is important to be intentional on this work. Councilmember Miller added that his three children are in the school district, and he is proud of the team looking after the school district. He asked about other school districts and why there is such a difference when looking at the costs of support per student. Mr. Osei stated that he is not sure what other school districts bond referendums involve; however, in St. Louis Park, the community is tremendous in supporting their schools year
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after year. He added that this will be the largest bond referendum the district has ever pursued, noting they will continue to be great stewards of the dollars. Mr. Osei stated if he can ever be of assistance to the council, he would be happy to answer questions any time, adding that he feels very strongly about reducing disparities in the district. He asked all of those present to feel free to reach out to him, adding that he wants to work together to create an exceptional opportunity for students in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Hallfin stated he is a product of St. Louis Park schools, as is his wife and son. He noted that a task force with councilmembers and school board members has been developed in St. Louis Park, who work together and have a relationship. Councilmember Hallfin stated the city and school need to be in concert with each other, and he is championing this referendum. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger asked why the district needs to upgrade all the kitchens in schools and also build a new central kitchen. Why can’t healthy foods be prepared in each of the school’s kitchens versus in one central kitchen? Mr. Bravo noted that the equipment is old in the school kitchens, and they don’t have the proper equipment to do scratch cooking. Additionally, the cost for doing scratch cooking in each individual kitchen would be too high, so the cooking will be done in the central kitchen and brought into each school’s kitchen for serving. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger noted that the cost per year of the new bond referendum is estimated to be $144 per year per household. She asked Mr. Osei about the current referendum; what the total yearly cost with all referendums is; and how the cost compares for all current referendums. Mr. Osei stated he would get back to Mayor Pro Tem Sanger at a later date with an answer to this question. 2b.
Presentation of Grant from CenterPoint Energy
Fire Chief Koerig introduced Mr. Schwedering from CenterPoint Energy, who presented a community grant to the city in the amount of $2,500 to partially offset the cost of two Firefighter Decontamination Units. Chief Koerig thanked CenterPoint Energy, noting that this is a way to reduce cancer occurrence in firefighters from toxins and contaminants. He added that he hopes this is a way to protect the health and lives of our firefighters. 2c.
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Update
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek presented an update to the council on the activities of the Sheriff’s Office, including information on the #NOverdose Campaign. Sheriff Stanek stated that the #NOverdose campaign is in place to lower the quantity of opiates available on the street and the level of prescription drug misuse, called diverted drugs. He added that he has asked the state government to declare this a public health issue, and noted that he and his staff will be presenting more information at the State Fair, Minnesota Twins games, and several school town hall meetings later this fall. Councilmember Hallfin stated that he attended a National League of Cities meeting recently, where he learned about a safe house in Massachusetts that was open and available for people to walk in and begin rehabilitation. He asked if Hennepin County has
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anything like this. Sheriff Stanek stated no, but the county does have some resources available to refer people to. He stated that the Sheriff’s Office is good at enforcement but not at prevention. That is why they try to work with the school districts, kids, and parents. He noted that there is additional help from local police and first responders; however, the number of people misusing these drugs keeps increasing. Councilmember Mavity thanked Sheriff Stanek for his update, adding that the city has had the first of four sessions with the St. Louis Park Police Department to discuss the community policing approach. She asked the sheriff if he could speak about his perspective on the Hennepin County policing approach, especially as it relates to use of military weaponry, and immigration. Sheriff Stanek stated that the county has implemented the recommendations from President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Polarizing events happen every day, and they have to figure out how to respond. He added that the best plan is to work with your community from the beginning. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office does not purchase anything in the military weaponry category. However, he noted that if an armored car can be used to transport money from a grocery store to a bank, then the county force should have that level of protection, as well. Sheriff Stanek stated that with regard to immigration, his office works with Immigration and Customs Enforcement within the law and does not provide sanctuary for criminals. He stated that they transition subjects held at the Hennepin County Jail to ICE when required to do so by Federal law. 2d.
Recognition of Donations
Mayor Pro Tem Sanger noted that the International Society of Arboriculture donated $2,000 for expenses related to Natural Resources Coordinator Jim Vaughan’s attendance at the 2017 International Society of Arboriculture Leadership Workshop in Champaign, IL. Additionally, Gordon and Nancy Justus donated $50 for park maintenance and enhancements at Westwood Hills Nature Center in honor of former Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Member Dick Johnson’s 90th birthday. 3.
Approval of Minutes 3a.
City Council Special Study Session Minutes August 7, 2017
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the Special Study Session August 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 3b.
City Council Minutes August 7, 2017
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the City Council August 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 3c.
Special City Council Meeting Minutes August 11, 2017
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It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the Special City Council August 11, 2017 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 4.
Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 17-121 in support of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office #NOverdose Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention Public Awareness Campaign. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 17-122 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 2841 Idaho Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN P.I.D. 08117-21-43-0016. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 17-123 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 3231 Webster Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN P.I.D. 16-117-21-24-0018. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 17-124 to authorize the execution of Addendum ASponsoring Agency Agreement between Minnesota Task Force 1 and the City of St. Louis Park. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 17-125 and Resolution No. 17-126 to recognize Parks Public Service Worker Wade Carroll for 29 years of service, and Utilities Public Service Worker Joel Suhl for 27 years of service. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 17-127 of Support for submission of a Job Creation Fund application to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on behalf of a St. Louis Park company. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 17-128 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the International Society of Arboriculture in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for all related expenses for Jim Vaughan, Natural Resources Coordinator, to attend the 2017 International Society of Arboriculture Leadership Workshop in Champaign, Illinois. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 17-129 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Gordon and Nancy Justus in the amount of $50 for park maintenance and enhancements at Westwood Hills Nature Center in honor of Dick Johnson’s 90th birthday. Mr. Johnson is a former Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Member as well as a long-time nature center volunteer. 4i. Moved to Item 8a. Councilmember Miller requested that Consent Calendar item 4i be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8a. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended and to move Consent Calendar item 4i to the Regular Agenda as item 8a; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 5-0.
5.
Boards and Commissions 5a.
Appointment of Youth Representatives to Boards and Commissions
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to appoint Eli Curran-Moore to the Police Advisory Commission and Carmen Garrigos to
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the Human Rights Commission as youth members for one-year terms beginning August 31, 2017. The motion passed 5-0. 6.
Public Hearings - None
7.
Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public – None
8.
Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a.
Adopt Resolution Authorizing the implementation of the Kids in the Park Rent Assistance Program, a shallow rent subsidy program to assist low income households with children attending school in St. Louis Park. Resolution No. 17-130
Councilmember Miller stated he is strongly in favor of this program, which gives families a fighting chance to stay in St. Louis Park and work toward financial goals. Ms. Schnitker stated this program is a great partnership with the city, the school district, and STEP. She added that families have to be at 50% median income or below to qualify for the program, and staff hopes to begin taking applications in September and October. The program will start in December. She also noted that the first year the program will serve approximately seven households. Councilmember Mavity agreed this is a wonderful program, modeled after a successful program in Richfield. She added that it is a rental assistance program, not a service program, and is well within what the city does. She stated it will be administered by the Housing Authority. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger stated she has concerns about this program and is against it. She added that historically, tax payer money has not gone to subsidize rent. The city’s preservation fund has assisted in the past. She is concerned that this will be an ongoing and growing problem, it will grow, and it is not a proper role for the city. She added this type of assistance has been handled by the county and Federal Government, with Section 8 funds, and she is concerned it will become a never-ending program. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger stated she would prefer to put money into a loan fund to assist owners to make repairs on their properties at a discounted loan rate in exchange for agreeing to keep their rental rates affordable. Councilmember Brausen stated he is in favor of the resolution, adding it is not unusual for the city to be involved in this type of program. He added that the city needs to help families stay in their homes and in the school district, noting that anything the city can do to provide a hand-up is worthy of city resources. He stated that there are lots of different tools in the “tool kit,” and he is in favor of the city trying this. Councilmember Mavity stated that she attended a community housing forum last week at Lenox, and 100 people were there to learn about the loss of housing in multi-family markets. She added that the message she received from residents is this is a priority for our community. The Kids in the Park Rent Assistance Program is a way to get involved.
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It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 17-130 authorizing the implementation of the Kids in the Park Rent Assistance Program.
9.
The motion passed 4-1. (Councilmember Sanger opposed) Communications – None
10.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk
Sue Sanger, Acting Mayor Pro Tem