IV.4. Minutes of the December 9, 2014 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 9, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall, 1010 First
Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order with Council Members Cummings, Halverson and
Youakim attending. Council Member Gadd was absent. Staff present included City Manager
Mornson, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Public Works Stadler and Assistant City Manager
Genellie.
DISCUSSION
Amend 2015 CIP – Addition to Warming House at Interlachen Park
Director of Public Works Stadler provided a summary of the staff report. Mr. Stadler provided
background information on the proposed request and explained the plans for moving forward.
Given the degree of ice use and value to the City, the Park Board and staff supported the project
addition to the 2015 CIP.
Discussion was held about the proposed bids, plans and scope of work. The proposed project
cost to the City is approximately $50,000. Council Member Cummings questioned if staff
should make other residents aware that the park is open to the public. Concerns were raised
about the lack of parking near the park. Mayor Maxwell requested that staff ensure there is
enough electrical power to the addition.
Council Member Halvorson questioned the maintenance. Mr. Stadler suggested using a timed
lock system and also explained that the residents have been opening and closing the warming
house. Council Member Youakim did not support having the neighborhood in charge of the
warming house. Mr. Stadler stated there was not funding to have an attendant at the warming
house. Ms. Youakim suggested that the Interlachen warming house be treated the same as the
other warming houses. Further discussion was held about the warming house hours and staffing.
Ms. Youakim requested that staff check with the City Attorney on liability.
Council Member Youakim suggested waiting to amend the CIP until the Park Board has
completed its review of the park investment plan. After debate about funding and the
improvements desired at the park, the City Council supported moving forward with the CIP
amendment. The amendment will be included for consideration on the December 16 Consent
Agenda.
Update on Met Council Lift Station Project
Director of Public Work Stadler provided a summary of the staff report. The Metropolitan
Council is scheduled to begin construction of their new lift station in the fall of 2015. Mr.
Stadler provided information about the project and the site plan approval process moving
forward.
Discussion was held about the site plan approval process, landscaping requirements and storm
sewer upgrades. Staff will continue to work with the Met Council to proceed with the planning
approvals and phasing options for the project.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 9, 2014
Succession Planning
Assistant City Manager Genellie provided a summary of the staff report. He further explained
the steps staff is taking to prepare for the upcoming retirements. Discussion was held about the
tuition reimbursement program, changes in some positions, new city software, creating a
competitive work market, encouraging and helping employees to reach leadership roles, and
future recruitment.
OTHER
Staff Updates:
Director of Public Works Stadler provided an update on the fast charger unit purchase and
upgrade. Because he was concerned about the risks and cost to the City, Zepf has stated they
would be willing to share in the process and profitability. The City Council supported Mr.
Stadler’s position.
Council Member Updates:
Council Member Cummings stated that the Noon Time Lions are looking for non-profit
organizations in need of donations. Council Member Youakim provided an update on the
SWLRT meetings. Council Member Halverson questioned the snow removal process for the
Downtown businesses.
City Manager Updates:
City Manager Mornson reminded Council to be at City Hall at 3:45 p.m. on December 16 for
Council interviews. He also stated the meetings set for January. Discussion was held on the
monthly reports and the status of the hockey association. Mr. Mornson plans to practice the
State of the City after the meeting on January 6. The Police Department will be on Fox TV
tomorrow night for the shopping officers did to replace stolen presents from a resident’s house.
City Manager Mornson requested feedback on the Mill and Main Project tour and proposed
project in Hopkins. Council Member Cummings thought it was a great, well-built project.
Mayor Maxwell had concerns about the proximity from Gallery Flats and the increased traffic.
Council Member Youakim questioned how the public parking would be incorporated into the
project.
Mr. Mornson also provided an update on a BRCC position.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 9, 2014
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Maxwell,
second by Youakim, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL
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ATTEST:
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Eugene Maxwell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk