12-02-2014 CCA regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on December 2, 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 inembers Anderson, Beekman, Elverum, Genellie, Harkess,
Mornson, Stadler and City Attorney Jeremy Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
II. ADOPT AGENDA
Council Member Halverson 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. PRESENTATION
2014 Hopkins Community Image Awards (HCIA)
Ms. Elverum introduced the winners of the 2014 Community Image Awards thanking them for their
contribution towards community image and gave an overview of the award criteria and review committee.
Single Family Residential Winner: Jerry & Marie Trafas, 402-14th Ave N. The Trafas' thanked the
Council and City for the award. Multi-Family Residential Winner: Gallery Flats, 815 First St S. The
Gallery Flats developer thanked the City for the recognition and commented that it was a pleasure
working with city staff on the project. Commercial/Industrial Winner: Crossroads Plaza, Hwy 7&
Hopkins Crossroads.
Mayor Maxwell congratulated the winners and thanked them for their efforts in maintaining their
properties.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of the November 18, 2014 City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Approval of the November 18, 2014 Work Session Following the Council Meeting Minutes
3. Establish Legislative Policy 6-K Capitalization Policy
4. Renewal of General Liability and Property Insurance and Authorize Not Waiving of the Statutory Tort
Liability on the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Policy
5. Ratify Checks Issued in November 2014
6. Approve Second Amendment to Site Lease Agreement between City of Hopkins and New Cingular
Wireless PCS
Council Member Cummings moved and Council Member Halverson 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.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Amend Zoning Code — Vaping Establishments
Ms. Anderson, City Planner, gave an overview of the first reading to amend the zoning code for vaping
establishments. Ms. Anderson reviewed the deiinition of a vaping establishment and location of the
establishment will be permitted in the B-2 zoning district. Ms. Anderson explained that on occasion new
types of uses require the zoning code to be amended. The Zoning and Planning Commission reviewed the
zoning code and approved it on a 5-1 vote. The City Attorney has reviewed the Amendment.
There was Council discussion regarding licensing. The City Attorney advised the Council regarding the
licensing. Mr. Genellie, Assistant City Manager, explained that the licensing procedure has been clarified
and that the one Vaping License has been applied for. Mr. Genellie explained that the license is effective
July 1-June 30. Ms. Anderson explained that the Zoning and Planning Commission discussed that the
downtown area is the only place a tobacco establishment is allowed. There was Council discussion
regarding vaping in public outdoor spaces. Mr. Genellie explained that some cities have established
ordinances but the State of Minnesota has not adopted a policy to date.
Council Member Gadd moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to adopt Resolution
14-80, approving Ordinance 14-1083, amending the zoning ordinance permitting vaping studios in the B-
2 zoning district, adding a definition of a vaping studio and changing the definition of a tobacco shop 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.
2. Approve Revised Final Design Plans and Authorize Bidding: Cottageville Park, Phasel Improvements
Mr. Stadler, Public Works Director, addressed the Council regarding the transformation of Cottageville
Park to a landmark public space with improved creek access. Mr. Stadler explained that the two bids
received were 35% above engineer's estimates due to the current bid climate and increase in construction
costs. Staff has refined the design and construction estimates for additional cost savings. Mr. Stadler
reviewed the additions to the project scope including an added alley entrance, possible park pavilion,
landscaping and grading. Mr. Stadler reviewed the project costs and possible funding sources.
Ms. Renee Clark, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), gave an overview of the park design,
project phasing, cost saving design modifications and community garden space.
Mr. Roland Aberg, representative of the design firm, gave an overview of the community garden space,
connection of the playground and garden area, multi-use spaces, pavilion design, project additions and
key elements of the project.
There was Council discussion regarding the community garden, playground area, phase two area,
neighboring homes and lighting. Mr. Aberg explained that the redesign accommodated a few raised
garden beds, compost bins, seating areas, ADA play equipment and a play area for a multitude of ages.
Ms. Clark discussed the improvements along the creek bank and that the phase two area would be a
mowed turf. Mr. Aberg explained that fencing was extended to prevent pedestrians cutting through
neighboring yards and the lighting options. Council discussed incorporating a"little library" feature into
the design. Mr. Aberg commented that would be possible in the Pavilion area. Council commented on
future restroom possibility. Mr. Stadler discussed that School District staff is discussing future functions
at the park and that utilities will be available for future restrooms. Council would like to see a sign on the
park property highlighting the future look of the park. The MCWD is investigating signage.
Mr. Stadler reviewed the project schedule and commented that the resolution is scheduled to be presented
to the MCWD Board on December 11, 2014.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Halverson seconded a motion to approve the
final revised design plans and authorize bidding of the Cottageville Park, Phase 1 Improvement project.
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.
3. 2015 Budget Meeting and Adoption of 2015 Tax Levy and General and Special Revenue Fund Budgets
Ms. Harkess addressed the council regarding the 2015 Levy and Budget. Ms. Harkess reviewed the
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purpose of the budget meeting and how it impacts the City of Hopkins taxes. Ms. Harkess explained that
the budget meeting focuses on the budget and levy not property valuations. For questions regarding home
values, property owners can contact the Hennepin County Assessor's office at 952-548-6311. Ms.
Harkess explained the taxation process, proposed tax levy & general fund budget, breakdown of the
expenditure budget and factars impacting the 2015 budget which include grants awarded, wages and
union contracts, personnel changes, changes in operation and sales tax exemptions. Ms. Harkess discussed
the benefits of the Financial Management Plan (FMP), which was a factor in the City's bond rating
increase to AA+. Ms. Harkess explained the 2014 residential property tax changes, levy impacts and the
value residents receive for their taxes.
There was Council discussion regarding the FMP and the Fiscal Disparities program. Ms. Harkess
explained that the FMP was implemented due to financial challenges of the aging facilities, capital needs
and ongoing needs of the general fund. Ms. Harkess explained that the Fiscal Disparities program is a
metro area program. If a city has a lot of development then the city needs to contribute more to the fiscal
disparities pool than the city receives back.
The Council thanked the Finance Department and Department Heads for their hard work on the budget.
Council Member Halverson moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution Move to Adopt Resolution 2014-079 approving the 2015 tax levy and adopting the 2015
General and Special Revenue Fund budgets. 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Artery Public Open House on December 16, 5-7 pm at LTD Brewery
• City of Hopkins will be awarded a University of Minnesota Innovation Award on December 1 lt" for the
Cottageville Park Project
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Gadd moved and Council Member Halverson seconded
a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were no comments.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Eugene J
COUNCIL MEivI�ERS
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1, ayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk
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