HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 07232024I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 JULY 23, 2024
4
5 CALL TO ORDER.
6
7 Mayor Pro Tern Jenson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
8
9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
10
1 I Mayor Pro Tern Jenson invited the Council and audience to join her in the Pledge of Allegiance.
12
13 ROLL CALL.
14
15 Present: Mayor Pro Tern Jenson, Councilmembers Doolan, Randle, and Stephens.
16
17
18 Absent: Mayor Wendy Webster
19
20 Also Present: City Manager Charlie Yunker, Police Chief Jeff Spiess, Police Sergeant Jim South,
21 VillageFest Representative Julianne Hunter, City Code Official Richard Sonterre, and
22 Liquor Operations Manager Mike Larson.
23
24
25 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
26 ITEMS.
27
28 I. APPROVAL OF JULY 23, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
29
30 Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Stephens, to approve the City
31 Council Meeting Agenda of July 23, 2024.
32
33 Motion carried 4-0.
34
35 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
36
37 A. Police Department Commendation Award Presentation.
38
39 Police Chief Jeff Spiess reviewed on June 10, 2024, St. Anthony officers received a call to 3201
40 Diamond 8 Terrace for help/unknown problem. It was reported that a female was with a male
41 and that the female was screaming for help. Officer Mike Milbrandt and Sergeant Brandon Hess
42 arrived on scene and approached from behind, two parties seated on a bench. As officers were
43 within close proximity, Officer Milbrandt asked if everything was okay. The male party
44 immediately stood up, pointed a handgun at the head of the female, pulled the trigger, and a click
45 could be heard, but no round was fired. The male suspect then immediately pointed the firearm
46 directly at Officer Milbrandt, before dropping the firearm to the ground and running to the east
47 toward an assisted living facility.
48
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 2
1 Sergeant Hess and Officer Milbrandt gave chase, while relaying information to other officers and
2 giving clear verbal commands for the suspect to stop. Officer Sam Shafer arrived within
3 moments and quickly located the suspect outside of the assisted living facility, taking him into
4 custody without incident. Adding to the difficulty of this call, the suspect's brother gave chase
5 after the officers, and following the apprehension, began to accost the officers.
7 Detective Jonathan Schlingman and Captain Huddle collected evidence, interviewed the victim,
8 witnesses, and the suspect. The victim told them that the suspect was an ex -boyfriend, who
9 waited in her underground garage overnight, then kidnapped her at gunpoint and told her he
10 planned to kill her and then himself. Detective Schlingman not only connected the victim with
11 services, but also conducted follow-up with the family of the suspect, who relayed their sincere
12 gratitude to the officers who they believed saved the lives of the female and the male suspect,
13 their son.
14
15 A very thorough and professional investigation that was conducted resulted in the suspect being
16 charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and V degree assault.
17
18 A letter was received nominating Sergeant Hess, Officer Milbrandt, and Officer Shafer for the
19 Department Commendation Award. This award may be granted to any member for an
20 outstanding act which involves performance above and beyond that required by the member's
21 basic assignment or exceptional professional skill and conduct during a coordinated unit action.
22 The Department's Award Committee voted unanimously in support of these three officers
23 receiving the award.
24
25 It is very likely that, if not for the exceptional professional skill and coordinated efforts of
26 Officer Milbrandt, Sergeant Hess and Officer Shafer, that the female victim would not have lived
27 through this day. It is due to these officers, that the best outcome happened: the suspect was
28 arrested and no one sustained any physical injury.
29
30 Police Chief Spiess presented Officer Milbrandt, Sergeant Hess and Officer Shafer with the
31 Department Commendation Award.
32
33 Congratulations came from the Councilmembers and a photograph was taken.
34
35 Sergeant Hess stated he is honored to receive this award with his partners, adding they are
36 fortunate there was a positive outcome. He recognized Captain Huddle and Detective
37 Schlingman for their support on this case and stated he is grateful to be surrounded by this team.
38
39 Councilmember Randle gave his congratulations and noted he was very thankful for the way
40 things worked out.
41
42 Councilmember Doolan thanked the recipients and stated she appreciates the department.
43
44 Councilmember Stephens thanked the department for all they do.
45
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 3
1 Mayor Pro Tern Jenson thanked the recipients and noted his appreciation for the level of
2 professionalism, execution and leadership shown.
4 B. Night to Unite Presentation.
6 Police Sergeant Jim South reviewed the 16a' Annual Night to Unite will be held on August 6,
7 2024. This is a great opportunity for residents to get to know their neighbors and also the Police
8 and Fire Department members. Last year there were 40 block parties registered. This year so far
9 there are 41. Thanks to Cub Foods for their support and the donation of a tub of ice cream for all
10 registered block parties.
11
12 Councilmember Doolan asked if she can call to see if her block is registered. Police Sergeant
13 South suggested sending an email and he will respond.
14
15 Mayor Pro Tern Jenson thanked Sergeant South for his organization of this event for the City.
16
17 C. Night to Unite Proclamation.
18
19 The City Council read the proclamation in full.
20
21 D. VillageFest Presentation.
22
23 Ms. Julianne Hunter, representing VillageFest, submitted a Special Event Permit to hold the
24 annual VillageFest celebration August 2-3, 2024. Since the request involves City property,
25 amplified music and expects to exceed 100 attendees; a Special Event Permit is required.
26 VillageFest is a large and long-standing community event that involves a number of events in
27 different areas of the City and required support from the City's Public Safety Departments as
28 well as Public Works. On July 15, 2024 VillageFest representatives met with staff
29 representatives to discuss the needs of City services, primarily focused around road closures and
30 staff support for the parade, and support services for events in Central Park. Staff found those
31 requests to be reasonable and consistent with past celebrations. Staff recommends approval of
32 the Special Event Permit to VillageFest August 2-3, 2024. Also provided for City Council
33 consideration were the Special Event Permit Application, Schedule, Map, 501 C3 Letter,
34 Certificate of Liability and Resolution 24-049 for approval.
35
36 Ms. Hunter highlighted some of the events scheduled. The event is city -sponsored not city-
37 funded. She thanked some of the sponsors. They are always looking for donations and
38 volunteers.
39
40 Councilmember Doolan asked if there is the Sunday breakfast this year and Ms. Hunter stated
41 there is not. She recognized Ms. Hunter and all the volunteers.
42
43 Mayor Pro Tem Jenson commended Ms. Hunter on the job she and the Committee are doing on
44 planning VillageFest.
45
46
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 4
1 III. CONSENT AGENDA.
2
3 A. Approve July 9, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes.
4 B. Licenses and Permits.
5 C. Claims.
6 D. Resolution 24-049 — Approving the Use of Central Park for a Special Event on August 2-
7 3, 2024.
8 E. Resolution 240-050 Authorizing the Application for the MN Dept of Public Safety
9 Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training (ICPOET) Program
10 Grant.
11
12 Motion by Councilmember Randle, seconded by Councilmember Donlan, to approve the
13 Consent Agenda items.
14
15 Motion carried 4-0.
16
17 IV. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE.
18
19 V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
20
21 A. Resolution 24-051 — Approving a St. Anthony Village Ecological Improvement Plan and
22 Approving oving a Right of Entry Agreement and Partnership Pledge with Hennepin County.
23
24 City Code Official Richard Sonterre reviewed on November 6, 2023, Staff attended an
25 information meeting provided by Hennepin County Land Conservationist/County Agricultural
26 Inspector Matt Stasica. One topic at the meeting was the availability of funds from a grant the
27 County had acquired for land conservation and habitat restoration. Although the program
28 primarily seeks out large scale acreage opportunities, the County expressed interest in options for
29 smaller projects within already developed city settings. City Staff invited County Staff to tour the
30 City and evaluated locations for potential habitat restoration and community education.
31 Locations in Central Park and Silver Point Park were determined to be of the greatest value to
32 meet and needs and wants of both parties.
33
34 Hennepin County works with residents and partner organizations to protect and restore habitat
35 through conservation easements and habitat restoration projects. Hennepin County, in
36 partnership with the Minnesota Land Trust, has received more than $4.5 Million from the
37 Lessard -Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to acquire conservation easements on the best remaining
38 natural areas in Hennepin County. Funding is also available for habitat restoration projects on
39 protected properties.
40
41 Mr. Sonterre reviewed the primary features of the agreement including Partnership Pledge,
42 Ecological Improvement Plan (EIP), and Right of Entry Agreement. Each of the agreements
43 were provided for City Council review. It was noted the St. Anthony — New Brighton School
44 District will also need to complete a Right of Entry Agreement. School District Staff have given
45 their support for the project and will complete the agreement if the project proceeds.
46
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 5
1 Central Park — Mr. Sonterre showed an aerial representation of the hill around the existing
2 bioswale. This would be planted from the existing vegetation to the top of the hill, which will
3 eliminate future mowing by City Staff. The restoration project will continue to the East,
4 essentially doubling the native and natural landscape of the existing bioswale. Hennepin County
5 has agreed to place interactive stations along the walkways, allowing the public to scan QR
6 codes and view information about the species within. Additionally, the school district will be
7 able to utilize aspects of the project for environmental science opportunities as they see fit.
9 Silver Point Park — An aerial representation was shown and the restoration areas on the north
10 side of the park will extend six feet north of the asphalt path up the hill and to the edge of the
l l park property, ending six feet from the property line. On the south side, the same six foot setback
12 from the path will be maintained and the restoration will again be maintained and the restoration
13 will again continue up the slope, ending six feet from the property line. The project will continue
14 to the west as the path curves back to the north. The restoration will continue from the Southwest
15 corner of the park to the north, parallel to the hockey rink. Like with the Central Park Project, the
16 restored areas will eliminate future mowing of these sloped areas.
17
18 Both projects would have informational stations placed along the paths for education and
19 informational opportunities. This project was presented to the Parks & Environmental
20 Commission at their June 3, 2024 meeting and the commission expressed unanimous support for
21 the project.
22
23 Staff recommends approval of the EIP. Should Council approve the project, agreements between
24 the City and Hennepin County will be executed and Hennepin County public works will add the
25 project to their Ecological Improvement Plan calendar, with a spring of 2025 expected start date.
26 Also provided for Council consideration was the Ecological Improvement Plan, Right of Entry
27 Agreement, Partnership Pledge and Resolution 24-051.
28
29 Hennepin County Land Conservationist/County Agricultural Inspector Matt Stasica was also
30 present to address any questions on this project.
31
32 Councilmember Doolan stated she appreciates Mr. Sonterre bringing this opportunity to the City.
33
34 Councilmember Randle left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
35
36 Councilmember Doolan asked about the distinction between Central Park and Silver Point Park.
37 When the demonstration gardens were put into Silver Point Park solarization was used. Mr.
38 Stasica stated size and variability of methods. Councilmember Doolan stated there are some
39 plants planted there right now. She assumes this is not part of what will be done there. Can those
40 plantings be relocated by residents. Mr. Sonterre stated the garden that is there would not be
41 affected. The question did come up whether the current gardens should be incorporated into this
42 project. She asked if other groups would be asked to do service work for maintenance. Mr.
43 Sonterre stated that decision will be for future Staff and Council. Mr. Stasica stated this is
44 ongoing and the County is here for ongoing support. She asked if the scope can be expanded to
45 take care of the hillside downslope which has acquired some aggressive weed seeds. Mr.
46 Sonterre stated when the project area was determined, we did not want to remove recreational
El
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 6
areas from the park. The hill is used for sledding during the winter. This is a critical habitat. Mr.
Sonterre stated Mr. Stasica has some contacts with the Rice Creek Watershed. Mr. Stasica
shared some information on the partnership with the watershed to get more of the water quality
information.
Mayor Pro Tern Jenson asked when this project will start and Mr. Sonterre stated spring of 2025.
The dollar value of the project is hard to determine and will be funded by the grant. It is
approximately $50,000.
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Stephens, to approve
Resolution 24-051 — Approving a St. Anthony Village Ecological Improvement Plan and
Approving a Right of Entry Agreement and Partnership Pledge with Hennepin County.
Motion carried 3-0.
VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
A. Liquor Operations Mid -Year Report.
Assistant Manager Bill Haugen and Liquor Operations Manager Mike Larson reviewed a Power
Point presentation of the mid -year report for St. Anthony Liquor Operations. There are two
locations — Silver Lake Village and Marketplace. Mr. Haugen reviewed the Mission and Vision
Statements. The value of St. Anthony Village Wine and Spirits include:
Liquor Operations actively participates in the City's Mission, Vision and Strategic Initiatives:
• Environmental responsibility.
• Civic engagement.
• Welcoming retail environment.
• Fiscal & organizational strength.
• Quality infrastructure.
• Safe and secure stores.
Profits are transferred to the General Fund and can be used to:
• Provide Property Tax Levy Relief.
• Provide Funds for Equipment Purchases for Police, Fire and Public Works.
• Supplement General Fund Purchases.
Mr. Larson reviewed conditions through June 2024.
• Customer Purchasing Habits — Inflationary buying habits as customers purchase
less expensive and sale items. THC/CBD Beverage sales continue to climb.
• Sales Decrease of 3.1 %
• Gross Profit Increase of 3.5%
• Operating Expense Increase of 2.4%
• Net Profit Increase of 7.3%
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 7
1 January — June 2024-2023 Sales and Profit Comparison; 2024 Sales Projection; and 2024 Net
2 Income Projection spreadsheets were provided for Council consideration.
3
4 The 2024 Accomplishments include:
5 . City Goal Setting.
6 • League of Minnesota Cities Conference.
7 • Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Conference.
8 . MMBA/MLBA Legislative Day at the Capital.
9 • Social Media Advertising & News Sharing Group.
10 • Council Work Session regarding Cannabis Dispensary.
I 1 • Energy Reduction Equipment Installation.
12 • Municipal Cannabis Dispensary Meetings.
13 • Installation of Driver's License Scanning Equipment.
14 • Alcohol Awareness Server Training Certification.
15 • Spring Product Sampling Event.
16 • Two Complete Physical Inventory Counts.
17
18 Where we are now include:
19 • Supply Chain Delivery Issues.
20 • Inflationary Influence on Customers Purchasing Habits.
21 . Cost of Products and Retail Prices Stabilizing.
22 • Continued sales success of THC/CBD products.
23 • Cannabis Dispensary.
24
25 Plans for the fixture in 2024 include:
26 • Planning for 2025 Capital Improvement Projects.
27 • Reinvesting in the stores infrastructure and replacement needs.
28 • Any needs to assist us for the future trends of the retail alcohol business.
29 • Continued collaboration of products with distilleries.
30 • Holiday Sampling Events.
31 . THC/CBD/Hemp Products.
32
33 More information about the Liquor Operations can be found on the website at www.savmn.com.
34
35 Councilmember Doolan stated she appreciates that sales are down and expenses are up but there
36 is still a positive net profit. In Strategic Planning one of the stores is not doing as well as before
37 and have the marketing efforts helped this. Mr. Larson stated the sales are starting to come back.
38 The construction created different traffic patterns. A spring sampling was held. Silver Lake
39 Village has the higher sales at this point. There have been some very good weekends.
40
41 Mayor Pro Tern Jenson stated he appreciates the management of inventory and costs. The
42 dedicated workforce at the stores should be commended.
43
44 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
45
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2024
Page 8
City Manager Yunker had no report.
Councilmember Doolan stated she has been working with the Village Gardeners the last two
weeks getting ready for VillageFest. She appreciates the collaboration with public works on
these gardens. She is going to implement door knocking on Sundays throughout the
neighborhoods to share information and get feedback along with Mayor Webster.
Councilmember Stephens had no report.
10 Mayor Pro Tern Jenson stated he is a part of the Climate Action Working Committee and they
11 had a work session on July 11, 2024.
12
13 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
14
15 Ms. Joan Peterson, 3200 Hilldale, stated door knocking is a great idea to communicate with the
16 Council as Coffee with the Council sessions have not been held recently. She asked who put
17 together the frequently asked questions document. Mayor Pro Tern Jenson stated he and Mayor
18 Webster wrote the document. Ms. Peterson stated she wrote a letter to the editor about policing
19 in Falcon Heights. She did not include any of her opinions in her letter to the editor. In reviewing
20 the policing contract, she asked if it will be on the City website. Mr. Yunker stated it is on the
21 City's website. Ms. Peterson asked Police Chief Spiess if he had input on the document and he
22 responded he just saw it this evening. Councilmember Randle spoke about supporting the Police
23 Department. Ms. Peterson stated she hasn't seen anyone say they will support the Police if there
24 is a confrontation. She asked about the Police Officers who were not in favor of the contract,
25 noting there was only a 2% response from the community. She has not spoken with anyone in
26 favor of the contract.
27
28 IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS - NONE.
29
30 X. ADJOURNMENT.
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Motion by Councilmember Doolan, seconded by Councilmember Stephens, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Wolfe
Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
42 ATTEST:
43
44
Motion carried 3-0.
Leov� ,—
Mayor
CitYClerk