Loading...
IV.1. Minutes of the March 4, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 7:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010 First Street South, Hopkins. Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance with Council Members Beck, Brausen, Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance Director Bishop, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Planning and Development Elverum, City Planner Lindahl, City Attorney Riggs, Fire Chief Specken, Public Works Director Stadler and Community Development Coordinator Youngquist. ADOPT AGENDA Motion by Brausen. Second by Hunke. Motion to Adopt Agenda. Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke. Nays: None. Motion carried. PRESENTATIONS III.1.Hopkins Fire Department Annual Report Fire Chief Specken gave an overview of the 2019 year-end report. Chief Specken discussed call statistics, fire incidents, mutual aid and public education activities. The Hopkins Fire Department’s average response time is 4.1 minutes. Chief Specken reviewed the Chemical Assessment Team (CAT) and the 2020 goals. Fire Chief Specken discussed the outstanding Insurance Service Office (ISO) Class 2 Rating that benefits homeowner and business insurance rates. Fire Chief Specken thanked the City Council, city staff and Hopkins citizens for their support. The Council commented on the great 4.1 minute response time, the improvement to the ISO protection class rating and thanked Chief Specken and the department for their accomplishments and sacrifices. Mayor Gadd recognized Chief Specken for receiving the 2019 Fire Officer of Year award. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Beck. Second by Hunke. Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda. 1. Minutes of the February 18, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting Proceedings 2. Minutes of the February 18, 2020 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings 3. Ratify Checks Issued in February 2020 Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke. Nays: None. Motion carried. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING V.1. 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Community Development Coordinator Youngquist gave an overview of the CDBG funds and goals of the program. Ms. Youngquist commented that Hopkins is eligible to receive a preliminary estimate of $124,000 to fund the Housing Rehabilitation Program and that area social service agencies can make application to Hennepin County for an overall fifteen percent allocation of the CDBG funds. Council Member Brausen asked about homeowners on the program wait list. Ms. Youngquist commented that the program serves approximately 4-5 households each year and that currently there are 8 households on the wait list. Hennepin County processes the applications for the program. Council Member Beck asked for examples of projects. Ms. Youngquist commented that the funds are used for repairs or energy efficiency upgrades with some funds available for emergency situations. Council Member Hunke asked how homeowners find out more information about the program. Ms. Youngquist commented that program details are available on the city website and would be promoted through city publications. Mayor Gadd opened the public hearing at 7:44 pm. No residents came forward to address the Council. Motion by Brausen. Second by Beck. Motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:44 p.m. Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke. Nays: None. Motion carried. Motion by Brausen. Second by Hunke. Motion that the Council adopt Resolution 2020-011. Resolution approving proposed use of 2020 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program Funds and Authorizing execution of subrecipient agreement with Hennepin County. Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke. Nays: None. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS VII.1. Resolution Approving an Off-Sale Liquor License for Alison Leigh Dykhuizen Hanson dba The Vine Shop, LLC City Clerk Domeier gave an overview of the staff report. It is anticipated that the license would be issued in May once all the conditions have been met. The applicant came forward and discussed the plans for the business expansion. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 Motion by Beck. Second by Hunke. Motion to grant an Off-sale Liquor License to Alison Leigh Dykhuizen Hanson dba The Vine Shop, LLC by adopting Resolution 2020-010. Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke. Nays: none. Motion carried. VII.2. Downtown Overlay District Standards Appeal City Planner Lindahl discussed the staff report explaining that the applicant of the building at 1209 Mainstreet would like the City Council to review staff’s interpretation of the Downtown Overlay District’s material. The applicant states that the proposed product for the 1209 Mainstreet building looks like brick or stone and should be allowed. The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the applicant’s appeal and agreed with staff’s interpretation. Mr. Lindahl gave an overview of the appeal process and Downtown Overlay District standards and prohibited materials. In staff’s opinion the proposed siding material is listed as prohibited in the Downtown Overlay District standards and is not an approved material. Mr. Lindahl showed images of the original, existing and proposed façade with an added canopy. Mr. Lindahl explained the options for the City Council to consider explaining that city staff has started to update the zoning regulations which would include updating of material standards. The current standards are from May 2003 and the proposed material was not available at that time. Applicant Tom Dewitz, contractor for the owner of the 1209 Mainstreet property, came forward and gave an overview and showed samples of the proposed product. Council Member Brausen commented on his discussions with the property owner and noted that the Downtown Overlay District materials protect the historic look and architectural value of the downtown. Council Member Brausen commented that the proposed product could be applicable to smaller spaces such as the 1209 Mainstreet building. Council Member Hunke commented that the product mimics the look and feel of a brick façade on a small square footage building. Council Member Beck asked about the remaining existing brick and added awning. There was discussion regarding adding an exception for a specific location. Motion by Brausen. Second by Hunke. Motion to disagree with the interpretation and administration of both staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission that Nichiha Vintage Brick fiber cement panels are allowed as an exterior material on the facade sides of buildings and adjacent to public right-of-ways in the Downtown Overlay District but only in this specific location of 1209 Mainstreet. Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke. Nays: none. Motion carried. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 VII.3. Artspace Development – Lot 800 Mayor Gadd gave an overview of the process that the City Council and city staff took to analyze the Artspace project and the possible development of Lot 800. Mayor Gadd gave an overview of the engagement opportunities and public comments. The City Council has reviewed all comments received. Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the use of Lot 800, the development of the concept and gave an overview of the process. Ms. Elverum thanked the city staff and project partners throughout the development process. Greg Handberg, Artspace representative, commented that Lot 800 is a good site and feasible for Artspace and hopes that the project can happen in Hopkins. Mayor Gadd discussed the guidelines for the public comment period. Billiee Kraut, 140-11th Avenue North, spoke in support of an Artspace location on the west end of Hopkins. Bill Beekman, 105-8th Avenue North, spoke in support of Artspace at Lot 800. Evie Wright, 240-9th Avenue North, spoke in support of Artspace to inspire young people. Elizabeth Reynolds, 210-10th Avenue North, spoke in support of locating Artspace in another location in Hopkins. Richard VanSickle, 145-11th Avenue North, spoke in support of the artist community but has concerns about site size, parking and need to explore other locations as well as the addition of senior housing. Rebecca Ulasich, 4128 Pepperwood Trail, spoke in support of Artspace at Lot 800 encouraging the City Council to vote yes. Harlan Limpert, 925 Nine Mile Cove S, supports Artspace but has concerns about the need for more analysis for other uses for Lot 800 that would bring in more income for the City. Colman Collins, 111-11th Avenue North, supports the arts but Lot 800 is not the correct location and encouraged the City Council to not move forward with Lot 800 for Artspace. Steve Belden, 140-10th Avenue North, spoke about the concerns of traffic, size of the building and preserving the character of the neighborhood. Andrew Wright, 240-9th Avenue North, spoke in support of Artspace at Lot 800 as it carries out the values of the Comprehensive Plan and long term values of the community. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 Paul Hurth, 114-11th Avenue North, spoke in support of affordable housing but opposes Artspace as housing for a specific occupation or hobby and the need to find the right location. Rachel Dachenbach, 117-8th Avenue North, spoke in favor of Artspace to draw more families to Hopkins and encouraged the City Council to move in favor of the project. Sara Waterman, 218 Van Buren Avenue North, spoke in favor of the Artspace project, affordable housing and generating taxes on the underutilized Lot 800. Andrew Ulasich, 4128 Pepperwood Trail, spoke in favor of Artspace and discussed reasons why the project is needed urging the City Council to approve the project. Bruce Rowan, 9 Monroe Avenue South, spoke in support of Artspace and the benefit to the community as a whole. Abby Seba, 134-9th Avenue North, spoke against Lot 800 as a location for Artspace discussing the negative effects to the area and the need to look for a different location. Patrick Hanlon, 109-11th Avenue North, asked about the emails and soil samples in the public record and spoke in support of artists and affordable housing but commented that the site is not the right size for the project and need to look for other options for Lot 800. Larry Hiscock, 302-7th Street South, spoke in favor of Lot 800 and the need to preserve and protect affordable housing. Michelle Birgy, 134-5th Avenue North, spoke about the Hopkins arts community and supports Lot 800 for Artspace. CJ Renner, 114-16th Avenue North, spoke in favor of Artspace on Lot 800. Mindy Woods, 110-11th Avenue North, spoke about concerns of density, building height, parking and lot size commenting that Lot 800 is the wrong location for Artspace. Andy Barker, 117-10th Avenue North, spoke about concerns of the building scale on Lot 800 and overall effects on the neighborhood. Greg Birgy, 134-15th Avenue North, spoke in favor of Artspace and the benefits that artists provide to the community and encouraged the City Council to approve Lot 800 as the site for Artspace. Rebecca Wright, 240-9th Avenue North, spoke about the benefits of affordable stable housing and supports Lot 800 for Artspace and the benefits of artists in the community. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 Annie Westmoreland, 117-8th Avenue North, understands the concerns of parking but spoke in support Lot 800 for Artspace and the need for affordable housing. Mark Strom, 125-10th Avenue North, spoke against the Artspace location due to building height and size of the project. Mayor Gadd closed public comment at 9:50 p.m. thanking the public for their input throughout the process and commenting that the City Council strives to make decisions that are fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the entire community. Council Member Beck commented that as a steward of the tax payer’s money and property additional proposals are needed if the property is redeveloped. Council Member Brausen commented that he is excited for Artspace to come to Hopkins but Lot 800 is not the right location commenting on the need to discuss other sites for Artspace. Council Member Halverson commented that she would like Artspace in Hopkins but not at Lot 800 and the importance to find the correct location. Council Member Hunke thanked the city staff and Artspace for working on a common goal of affordability and finding the correct location commenting that he is in favor of Artspace on Lot 800. Mayor Gadd commented on the difficult decision and that the Council is committed to affordable housing and having Artspace in Hopkins. Motion by Beck. Second by Brausen. Motion to withdraw from consideration the concept for an Artspace development on municipal parking lot #800. Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson. Nays: Hunke. Motion carried. VII.4. Development Overview Presentation Mayor Gadd commented that the Development Overview presentation has been postponed to the April 7 City Council meeting. OPEN AGENDA – PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS The City Council did not receive any comments or concerns. ANNOUNCEMENTS • Next Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. • World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17, 4:30 p.m. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS MARCH 4, 2020 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Halverson, second by Brausen, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:27 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Vold ATTEST: ______________________________ __________________________________ Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk