IV.1. Minutes of the July 21, 2015 City Council Regular Meeting Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
JULY 21, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held
on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 7:01 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, Community Development
Coordinator Beekman, City Clerk Domeier, Planning and Development Director Elverum,
Assistant City Manager Genellie, Finance Director Harkess, City Attorney Landsman, Public
Works Director Stadler and City Engineer Stanley.
ADOPT AGENDA
MotionSecond
by Cummings. by Kuznia.
Motion
to Adopt Agenda.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
III. 1. MnDOT Project Update – Future Trunk Highway 169 Improvements
MnDOT Project Manager, Andrew Lutaya, presented an overview of the MnDOT West Metro
projects for 2016-2017 including local projects affecting Hopkins and proposed Highway 169
improvements. Mr. Lutaya gave an overview of the municipal consent process, project schedule,
bridge closure, traffic and local route impacts. Mr. Lutaya commented that MnDOT staff would
work closely with city staff to create a traffic management plan and strategies to discourage cut-
through traffic. The public outreach plans include a scheduled Public Open House on August 19,
4-6 pm at Hopkins Center for the Arts. Mr. Lutaya stated that the plan is to engage residents,
businesses, public safety personnel and city staff in the outreach and project coordination plan.
Project information will be available on the MnDOT website and hard copies will be available at
the open house.
There was Council discussion regarding the closure timeline, alternate routes and construction
th
phases. Mr. Lutaya commented that City staff has advised MnDOT against using 11 Ave as an
alternate route, that the 169 project will not begin until Highway 100 construction is complete
and that the project is budgeted for an accelerated construction schedule. The 169-bridge project
timeline was moved up to 2017 due to deterioration of the structure.
Mayor Maxwell encouraged MnDOT to communicate regularly with City staff and to publicize
the project as much as possible to area residents and businesses through city publications, local
media and websites.
III. 2. Second Quarter Financial Report
nd
Finance Director Harkess presented the 2 Quarter Financial Report. Ms. Harkess gave an
overview of grants received, General Fund revenues and expenditures, 4-year comparison,
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
JULY 21, 2015
Special Revenue Fund revenues, expenditures and financial position, Enterprise Fund revenues,
expenditures and financial position, Cash & Investments and interest earnings. Ms. Harkess
reviewed the upcoming projects including the 2016 TIF bond refunding, budget review, ERP &
CIP review and the Financial Management Plan update.
CONSENT AGENDA
MotionSecond
by Gadd. by Halverson.
Motion
to Approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes of the July 7, 2015 Regular Meeting Proceedings
2. Minutes of the July 7, 2015 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
3. Minutes of the July 14, 2015 Work Session Proceedings
4. Second Reading for Ordinance 2015-1097: Vacate Utility Easement - Marketplace &
Main (Memo)
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
VI. 1. Off-Sale Liquor License – Liquor Store & More
City Clerk Domeier gave an overview of the Liquor Store & More liquor license application.
Mr. Steven Bickett will be purchasing Liquor Store & More, all necessary paperwork has been
submitted and the Police Department completed the background check. Ms. Domeier commented
that the State does not require an inspection of an existing location.
Mr. Bickett came forward to address the Council. Mayor Maxwell welcomed Mr. Bickett to
Hopkins and encouraged him to attend the Police Department compliance classes.
MotionSecond
by Halverson. by Cummings.
Motion
to grant an off-sale liquor license and tobacco license to Highland Enterprises, Inc.
DBA The Liquor Store and More.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd. Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
VI. 2. Design Assistance and Façade Improvement Grant Program (CR2015-083)
Economic Development Intern Amy Morgan gave an overview of Design Assistance and Façade
Improvement program. Ms. Morgan discussed the purpose, goals, funding, grant process and
impact to the City. Ms. Morgan reviewed the eligible properties and types of exterior eligible
improvements.
There was Council discussion about the notification process, individual grant amount, liability,
typical façade budget and project timeframe. Community Development Coordinator Beekman
commented that individual grants could be awarded up to $30,000. The grant awarded will be
put into an escrow account and that the property owner is responsible for the 50% match. Staff
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
JULY 21, 2015
plans to notify all qualified property owners and the Hopkins Business and Civic Association of
the program. Ms. Beekman commented that if there is a default on the loan, the property owner
is responsible for repayment. The City Attorney has reviewed the documents and advised the
Council regarding language in the guidelines to ensure the City is protected. Ms. Beekman
reviewed the grant selection process. The façade upgrade budget numbers were acquired from
other façade programs. City staff is still investigating the timeframe for properties to complete
the upgrade project. Council Member Cummings asked staff to also discuss with property
owners the St. Paul Port Authority grant program for HVAC improvements. There was much
discussion regarding murals as an eligible improvement on Mainstreet and whether murals
should only be allowed on side streets and alleys. Ms. Beekman commented that the façade
upgrades could not supersede city zoning requirements or the sign ordinance.
MotionSecond
by Gadd . by Kuznia.
Motion
to Approve the guidelines of the Design Assistance and Façade Improvement
Grant Program with recommendations by the City Attorney and limiting murals to side
streets and alleys.
Ayes: Halverson, Cummings, Maxwell, Gadd, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Filing for City Council begins July 28 and closes August 11 at 5 pm.
Next City Council Regular Meeting is Monday, August 3, 2015 at 7 pm.
National Night Out: Tuesday, August 4 – 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Special HRA meeting on Friday, July 24, 12 noon in the Hopkins City Council Chambers.
Special Brush pickup has been scheduled on refuse customer’s regular collection day. No call-
in necessary.
Mayor Maxwell thanked Hopkins Raspberry Festival volunteers, City Departments for storm
clean-up and encouraged residents to support local businesses during the Mainstreet
construction project.
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 8:08 p.m.
OPEN AGENDA – PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
The City Council did not receive any comments or concerns.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
JULY 21, 2015
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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ATTEST:
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Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk