5.a. Minutes of the March 16, 2015 City Council Regular Meeting Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
March 16, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held
on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 7:09 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010 First Street
South, Hopkins.
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order with Council Members Halverson, Cummings, Gadd
and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, City Clerk Domeier,
Planning and Development Director Elverum, Assistant City Manager Genellie, Finance Director
Harkess, Police Captain Johnson, Building Official Kearney,City Attorney Kozar and Public
Works Director Stadler.
ADOPT AGENDA
There were no proposed changes to the Agenda.
MotionSecond
by Cummings. by Gadd.
Motion
to Adopt Agenda.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
REPORT
III.1.Cottageville Park Update
Public Works DirectorStadler and Ms. Renee Clark, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD) representative, gave an update of the Cottageville Park improvement project. Ms.
Clark commented that the MCWD has valued the collaboration with the City and other partners
on the project. A media event and a community ribbon cutting event will be scheduled. Mr.
Stadler gave an update on playground surfacing, equipment, community garden space, walkways
and funding. Staff will be investigating the future potential for a picnic pavilion.
Council Member Cummings asked about the timing for gardens, little library and educational
signage. Mr. Stadler commented that the gardens will not be ready for planting this season but
container gardens may be an option. Staff will investigate the installation of a little library box
and Ms. Clark commented that the educational exhibits would be placed once the park is
complete. Mayor Maxwell asked about the timing of utility and storm water work and lighting.
Mr. Stadler gave an explanation of the construction timetable and pedestrian lighting. The
Council commented that the Cottageville Park project will be a great asset for the City.
CONSENT AGENDA
Council Member Cummings asked about the intent to franchise. Assistant City Manager Genellie
th
explained the franchising process. A public hearing is scheduled for May 19.
Mayor Maxwell asked about the Minnesota Court Data Services Mr. Genellie explained that the
.
agreement allows the City Prosecutor to electronically access data for official City of Hopkins
business.
MotionSecond
by Gadd. by Kuznia.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
March 16, 2015
Motion
to Approve the Consent Agenda.
1
. Approve Minutes of the March 3, 2015 Council Meeting
2. Approve Minutes of the March 3, 2015 Work Session Following the City Council
Meeting
3. Approve Minutes of the March 10, 2015 Work Session Meeting
4. Second Reading: Zoning Ordinance I-1 District; (Memo)
5. Second Reading: Ordinance on Storm Water; (Memo)
6. Approval of Master Subscriber Agreement for Minnesota Court Data Services for
Governmental Agencies; (CR 2015-036)
7. Approve Resolution 2015-032, Authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to Sign
Springbook Software Contract; (CR 2015-039)
8. Authorize Publication of Notice of Intent to Franchise; (CR 2015-041)
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
V.1. First Reading: Revision of City Charter Ordinance 2015-1086; (CR 2015-035)
City Clerk Domeier gave an overview of the City Charter changes related to raising candidate
filing fees. The required public notices have been published. The Charter Commission has
reviewed and is recommending the change to the ordinance. Ms. Domeier commented that if
approved the ordinance would be effective in 90 days and in place for the 2015 election.
Mayor Maxwell opened the public hearing at 7:33 pm. No residents came forward to address the
Council.
MotionSecond
by Halverson. by Cummings.
Motion
to close the Public Hearing. The public hearing was closed at 7:33 p.m.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
MotionSecond
by Gadd. by Kuznia.
Motion
to Approve for First Reading Ordinance 2015-1086 An Ordinance Amending the
Charter of the City of Hopkins Upon Recommendation of the Hopkins Charter
Commission Pursuant to M.S.A. Chapter 410.12, Subd. 7.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
March 16, 2015
NEW BUSINESS
VI.1. Adopt Resolution Approving the DWI Grant; (CR 2015-037)
Captain Johnson of the Hopkins Police Department presented an overview of the grant funding
provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for a dedicated DWI enforcement
officer. The four-year grant was awarded to only eight agencies in the state. The grant will
provide a dedicated vehicle, salary and benefits for the officer. Captain Johnson explained that
the goals of the grant are to increase DWI enforcement efforts, arrest ratio and reduce alcohol
related crashes.
Council Member Cummings asked about the dedicated vehicle. Captain Johnson explained that
the DWI enforcement vehicle would be an SUV outfitted like the other patrol vehicles. Mayor
Maxwell asked about the start date. Captain Johnson explained that once the hiring process is
complete the enforcement program would begin. Council Member Gadd asked about the City’s
obligations once the grant program ends. Captain Johnson explained that there is no obligation
on part of City at the conclusion of the grant. Council Member Halverson asked about the
possibility of another grant after the four-year term. Captain Johnson explained that this is a new
grant program but staff continues to investigate grant-funding possibilities.
The Council congratulated the Police Department on the grant-funding award.
MotionSecond
by Cummings. by Halverson.
Motion
to Approve the DWI Officer Grant with the Minnesota Department of Public
Safety.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
VI.2. First Reading: Ordinance Amending Section 400 of the Hopkins City Code;
(CR 2015-006)
Building Official Kearney gave an overview of the ordinance amendment of the Hopkins City
Code. The City Attorney has reviewed the changes.
Mayor Maxwell asked about the regulations changes. Mr. Kearney gave an overview of some of
the building code changes and commented that staff will be reviewing the building permit fee
structure. The ordinance amendment will be on the city website, publicized in the Hopkins
Highlights and updated on department handouts.
MotionSecond
by Gadd. by Cummings.
Motion
to Approve Ordinance 2015-1084 for first reading.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
March 16, 2015
VI.3. Authorize the Sale of $4,175,000 G.O. Street Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2015A;
(CR 2015-032)
Finance Director Harkess gave an overview of the street reconstruction bonds that will be used
for the Mainstreet reconstruction project. Ms. Harkess explained that the bonds have been
reduced by the Federal grant funds and special assessments. Ms. Harkess explained the process
for the bond timeline.
Mayor Maxwell asked about the interest rate. Ms. Harkess gave an overview of the schedule for
the bond sale. Council Member Kuznia asked about the number of bidders. Ms. Harkess
explained that it depends on the market but historically the City has had an average of five
bidders. Council Member Cummings asked about the costs built into the bond. Ms. Harkess gave
an explanation of the bond rating.
MotionSecond
by Kuznia. by Cummings.
Motion
to adopt Resolution 2015-027 Providing for the Sale of $4,175,000 G.O. Street
Reconstruction Bonds, Series 2015A.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
VI.4. Call for Public Hearing and Authorize the Sale of $2,970,000 G.O. Tax Abatement
Bonds, Series 2015B; (CR 20115-033)
Finance Director Harkess gave an overview of the Tax Abatement Bonds that is a way to fund
the Cottageville Park and parking lot improvement projects. Ms. Harkess explained the bond
process.
Mayor Maxwell asked about bonding the two separate projects and the length of the bond. Ms.
Harkess explained that the projects are built into the Financial Management Plan and that the
bond will be spread over 20 years. The term of the bond is based on the amount. Mr. Mornson
commented that he is working with the Hopkins School Board regarding abatement on the
repayment length of the bond which is a tool to assist in financing the project with no additional
costs to the school district.
MotionSecond
by Gadd. by Cummings.
Motion
to Adopt Resolution 2015-028 Calling a Public Hearing on a Proposed Tax
Abatement and Providing for the Sale of $2,970,000 G.O. Tax Abatement Bonds, Series
2015B.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
VI.5. First Reading: Amend Section 200 of Hopkins City Code – Salaries of Mayor and
Council; (CR 2015-034)
Assistant City Manager Genellie gave an overview of the revision of the Mayor and City Council
salaries. The salaries have not been increased since 1998. Staff did a comparison with other
cities and Hopkins has the lowest in the metro area. Mr. Genellie gave an overview of the
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
March 16, 2015
current and proposed salaries. The new salaries would be in effect following the next municipal
election.
MotionSecond
by Maxwell. by Halverson.
Motion
to adopt for first reading Ordinance 2015-1089 amending Section 200.01 of the
Hopkins City Code revising the salaries of the Mayor and Council.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 17, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Empty Bowls is celebrating 17 years on March 24, 2015
Next City Council meeting is on Tuesday, April 7, 2015.
City Manager Mornson commented that the Innovation Award that Hopkins received was
highlighted in the LMC magazine.
Mayor Maxwell wished everyone a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Halverson, second by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
OPEN AGENDA – PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
The City Council did not receive any comments or concerns.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
COUNCIL MEMBERS
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ____________________________________
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk