III.1. Approval of the November 5, 2014 City Council Minutes
A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on November 5, 2014 in the Council Chambers
of the Hopkins City Hall. Present were Mayor Maxwell, Council Members Cummings, Gadd, Halverson
and Youakim. Also, present were staff members Anderson, Brummer, Elverum, Genellie, Harkess, Holm,
Mornson, Stadler and City Attorney Kim Kozar.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Mayor Maxwell congratulated Council Member Youakim and Representative Simon on the successful
election.
At this point in the meeting, the City Council moved onto the third item of the Agenda – Presentations.
II. ADOPT AGENDA
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Gadd seconded a motion to adopt the Agenda. A
poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings, aye; Council Member Gadd, aye; Council
Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
III. PRESENTATIONS
1.SuperValu Presentation
Ms. Elverum, Director of Economic Development and Planning, gave an overview of the SuperValu
warehouse addition. Mr. John Miller, Corporate Director of Development for SuperValu, gave an
overview of the proposed expansion plans. Mr. Miller reviewed the building exterior plans and purpose
for expansion. The exterior will be an extension of the existing building and will house the Research &
Development Department and test kitchens. Forty-four employees will be relocating to the Hopkins
location. The new expansion is scheduled to open in February.
The Council thanked SuperValu for their ongoing support of the Hopkins community.
2.Annual Hennepin County Update
Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison addressed the Council reviewing the Hennepin County
budget process, Hennepin County tax levy, property tax levels and the taxation process. The proposed tax
levy increase for 2015 is 2.75%. Commissioner Callison commented that the levy has not increased in the
last 4 years and rising expenses, labor contracts and additional personnel are reasons for the increase. The
Truth and Taxation Hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2014. Commissioner Callison reviewed
upcoming new initiatives including combining youth services with Ramsey County, the new 911 Dispatch
Center scheduled to open in December and the Hennepin County Services Hopkins Hub that opened
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October 13 . Commissioner Callison gave an update on the Southwest Light Rail Transit project, the
Shady Oak Road construction, homelessness and Hennepin County health outcomes project.
There was Council discussion regarding the proposed number of clients served at the Hopkins Hub.
Commissioner Callison will investigate and update the Council. Mayor Maxwell thanked Commissioner
Callison for her support and involvement with the Hopkins community.
3.Public Works Mission-Vision-Values
Mr. Stadler, Public Works Director, gave an overview of Mission, Vision and Values Statement of the
Public Works Department. The Mission of the Public Works Department is “Serving the community by
being great stewards and delivering outstanding services.” The department takes pride in being responsive
to public requests. The Vision of the Public Works Department is to be “Safe. Efficient. Professional.”
Mr. Austin Holm, Water & Sewer Department and Ms. Jodi Brummer, Parks Department, gave an
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overview of the Public Works Department’s Values. Mr. Holm explained that Hopkins Public Works
employees value the respect of their fellow employees and exhibit stewardship. Ms. Brummer explained
the importance of communicating effectively with each other.
The Council thanked Public Works for their time and effort in developing the Mission, Vision and Values
Statement and the importance of customer service to the Hopkins residents.
4.City Snow Policy Review
Mr. Stadler addressed the Council regarding the 2014-2015 snow season. Mr. Stadler reviewed the winter
outlook, snow plowing procedures, equipment, Snow Emergency Program, challenges of parking, snow
removal timing and clearing of Central Business District (CBD) sidewalks. Mr. Stadler explained the
street pretreatment procedure, sidewalk snow removal, Snow Emergency tagging and towing policy and
that Bobby & Steve’s is the contracted towing company for the 2014-2015 snow season. Mr. Stadler
explained that the city does not receive revenue from the towing process but removal of vehicles is
necessary for street plowing curb to curb.
Council suggested that the CBD owners and Hopkins residents continue to be informed regarding the
Snow Emergency Program and sidewalk snow removal policy.
5.Proclamation: Military Family Month - November
Mayor Maxwell read the proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.
IV. REPORTS
1.Third Quarter Financial Report; (Memo)
Ms. Harkess, Finance Director, gave an overview of the Third Quarter Financial and Investment Report.
Ms. Harkess discussed the third quarter grants received totaling $168,383, General Fund revenues &
expenditures, Special Revenue Fund revenues & expenditures, financial position, Enterprise revenues &
expenditures, cash and investments and interest earnings. Ms. Harkess explained how the Financial
Management Plan is being utilized and how the plan has helped the City achieve a bond rating upgrade.
The 2015 budget hearing is scheduled for December 2, 2014 at 7 pm.
V.CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approve Minutes of the October 21, 2014 Council Meeting
2. Approve Minutes of the October 21, 2014 Work Session Following the Council Meeting
3. Ratify Checks for the Month of October; (Memo)
4. Second Reading: Approve Ordinance Amending Section 610 of the Hopkins City Code; Swimming
Pools; (Memo)
5. Second Reading: Approve Ordinance Amending Section 925 of the Hopkins City Code-Domestic
Animals; (Memo)
6. Authorize Council, Mayor and City Manager to sign an agreement for Purchase of Services through the
Hennepin County 2015-2016 Hennepin County Sentence to Service Contract; (CR2014-129)
7. Approve Resolution 2014-073, Agency Agreement between City and Minnesota Department of
Transportation; (CR2014-126)
Council Member Halverson moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to approve the
Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings, aye; Council Member
Gadd, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The
motion carried unanimously.
VI.NEW BUSINESS
1. First Reading: Ordinance Regulating Size of Liquor Stores
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Ms. Anderson, City Planner, gave an overview of the ordinance amendment regarding limiting the size of
liquor stores to 5000 square feet. Between the first and second reading of the ordinance a letter was
received from MGM regarding regulating size of liquor stores. The Council sent the ordinance back to
the Zoning & Planning Commission for further discussion. The Zoning and Planning Commission asked
staff to draft an ordinance allowing liquor stores to have a maximum size of 10,000 square feet in the B-2
and B-3 zoning districts. Ms. Anderson reviewed the Zoning and Planning Commission discussion and 4-
1 vote with the Council. Ms. Anderson reviewed the four ordinance options with the Council.
There was much Council discussion regarding location for liquor stores within zoning districts, licensing,
restricting size, allowing for a level playing field for all liquor stores, protecting small businesses,
grandfathering of MGM, parking spots, creating an ordinance for a specific business and that liquor stores
are limited where they can locate.
The City Attorney advised the Council regarding the language in the ordinance. Mr. Genellie advised the
Council regarding restrictions in the zoning districts where liquor stores can be located.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 14-74, approving Ordinance 14-1070, with the addition of the asterisk for first reading.
A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings, aye; Council Member Gadd, nay; Council
Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried.
2. First Reading: Approve Ordinance 2014-1081, Amending Section 1155 of the City Code - Tobacco;
(CR2014-107)
Mr. Genellie addressed the Council regarding the language in the ordinance to clarify the sampling of e-
cigarette products. Mr. Genellie also explained that the restrictions prohibit persons under age 18 from
entering an establishment that allows sampling. Mr. Genellie also discussed with Council regarding
limiting the number of tobacco licenses in the City. There are currently 17 licenses and all of them are
subject to annual compliance checks by the Police Department.
There was much Council discussion regarding tobacco licensing, e-cigarette sampling, and Police
Department compliance checks.
Paula Williams, owner of Hopkins Vaping Studio, came forward and addressed Council regarding
language in the ordinance in regards to transferring the license in case a sale of the business. The City
Attorney advised that the language in the ordinance states that the license in non-transferrable and that a
new owner would need to follow the application process.
The City Attorney and City Staff will reexamine the language of license transfers between first and
second reading of the ordinance.
Mr. Genellie discussed that staff is recommending that the Zoning and Planning Commission examine
restrictions where tobacco establishments and vaping studios can be located. There was Council
discussion regarding federal, state and local restrictions. Staff will investigate and update the Council.
The City Attorney advised the Council regarding enacting the second reading of the ordinance as soon as
possible due to the expiration of the moratorium.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to approve
Ordinance 2014-1081 for first reading. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings,
aye; Council Member Gadd, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye;
Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
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The Council will discuss the limitation of the number of tobacco licenses at a future Council Work
Session.
3. Approve Resolution 2014-071 Increasing Parking Permit Fees for 2015, (CR2014-124)
Ms. Harkess addressed Council regarding an increase in parking permit fees for 2015. Ms. Harkess gave
an overview of the increases and sources of revenue. Ms. Harkess commented that resources are needed to
maintain the existing parking facilities.
There was Council discussion regarding parking usage and demand.
Council Member Gadd moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to adopt Resolution
2014-071 Parking Permit Rate Increase. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings,
aye; Council Member Gadd, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye;
Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Approve Resolution 2014-072 Increasing Water, Sewer and Recycling Rates for 2015, (CR2014-125)
Ms. Harkess addressed the Council regarding increasing water, sewer and recycling rates for 2015.
Ms. Harkess gave an overview of the increases that would be effective January, 2015.
There was Council discussion regarding recycling participation. Mr. Stadler addressed the Council
regarding the high recycling participation rate and residents being conscious about water usage.
Council would like staff to revisit the water, sewer and recycling master plan so residents know why rates
are increasing. Mr. Stadler stated that the Master Plan reviews the operational costs, revenues and capital
expenditures to maintain the system. Ms. Harkess stated that a rate study is proposed in conjunction with
the Financial Management Plan.
Council Member Cummings moved and Council Member Halverson seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution No. 2014-072 increasing water, sanitary sewer and recycling rates effective January 1, 2015.A
poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings, aye; Council Member Gadd, aye; Council
Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Open House on Mainstreet Improvement Project: November 10 at the Center for the Arts, 5:00pm
Next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 10 due to Veteran’s Day on Tuesday,
November 11.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Halverson moved and Council Member Youakim
seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were no comments.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
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COUNCIL MEMBERS
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ATTEST:
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Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk
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