Amelia Cruver

The commission discussed the cable franchise renewal process for 2018, including plans to evaluate past performance and peg access facilities. A subcommittee was formed to assist staff with this process. Additionally, the commission reviewed the proposal to add a non-voting student member to the commission, examined Comcast and CenturyLink complaint logs, and discussed gigabit service availability and modem equipment issues.

The council meeting addressed several procedural and community matters. Key topics included the approval of consent items such as the EDA disbursement resolution for various redevelopment projects, the recognition of a retiring public service worker for their twenty years of dedicated service, and the reading of several proclamations. These proclamations designated April 2026 as Deaf History Month, Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, and Neurodiversity Celebration Month, as well as May 2026 as Arbor Month, with Arbor Day observed on May 14th.

This document outlines the City of Saint Louis Park's strategic priorities centered on creating an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community. Key focus areas include ensuring good governance through reliable and transparent services, developing connected and safe infrastructure prioritizing walking, biking, and transit, providing diverse, affordable, and dignified housing, and demonstrating climate leadership by preserving natural spaces. Additionally, it details a Safe Streets Action Plan aimed at reducing fatal and severe injury crashes by 50% by 2040 and eliminating them by 2050 through a data-driven Safe System Approach.

The meeting included the recognition and retirement of a long-term city employee from the Westwood Hills Nature Center, followed by a formal proclamation observing Unity Day.

The meeting began with a spotlight presentation recognizing the school board members for Schoolboard Recognition Week, highlighting their dedication, policy work, and role as the community's eyes and ears. The agenda approval was followed by the Superintendent's report, which celebrated the efforts of Health in the Park group regarding a recent mental health event and noted construction progress, specifically the upcoming move at Aquila. The discussion items centered on the Financial Advisory Committee update, which reviewed budget assumptions, drivers of enrollment (WAMS), the general fund balance compared to other districts, and economic considerations such as proposed state funding increases. Key recommendations from the committee included using 5100 WMS for the fiscal 16 budget, keeping special education revenue flat, and suggesting a 1.5% increase for the general education basic formula.