IV.2. Minutes of the January 5, 2015 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Cummings x Assistant City Manager Genellie
x Council Member Halverson x City Clerk Domeier
x Council Member Kuznia x Planning and Development Dir. Elverum
x Council Member Gadd x Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Campbell x Community Dev. Coordinator Beekman
x City Manager Mornson x City Attorney Riggs
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Public Works:
Public Works Director Stadler gave an overview of the Cottageville Park Pavilion Open House
scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 6:30-8 pm at Eisenhower Community Center. Mr. Stadler
gave an overview of the Cottageville Park site plan, location of proposed pavilion, landscaping,
pavilion floor plan, renderings and timetable. Mr. Stadler explained that the restrooms would be
open during park hours with automatic locking doors. The proposed timetable is bids to be
awarded in March with construction in May-July, 2016. The Pavilion structure costs would be
approximately $350,000.
Council asked about vandalism issues, Blake Road Corridor Collaborative (BRCC) adopting the
park, accessibility and marketing of the Open House. Mr. Stadler commented that he is not
aware of any vandalism issues at the park, the trails are graded for accessibility, postcards were
mailed to area residents and multi-residential management companies and staff will follow-up
with the BRCC. City Manager Mornson commented that the Hopkins School District would
contribute $100,000, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church $20,000 with additional funds
anticipated from area non-profit organizations for the Pavilion.
Planning and Economic Development:
Planning and Development Director Elverum gave an overview of the Hopkins Village
Apartment refinance and renovation project. Ms. Elverum commented that the apartment owners
are investigating the development of 120-160 mid-market housing units with underground
parking on the surface parking lot. The project would require re-plating of the property. Staff
will keep the Council updated on the project.
Community Development Coordinator Beekman gave an overview of the Façade Program. Ms.
Beekman commented that Wilkus Architects have worked with five property owners on ideas for
improvements with the timetable for completion in the spring of 2016.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson introduced the new City Attorney, Mr. Scott Riggs. City Attorney Riggs
presented the Council with an overview of the Open Meeting Law, what constitutes an open
meeting and situations to avoid. Mr. Riggs discussed communication practices including the use
of email, data practices, the gift provision and conflicts of interest. Mr. Riggs commented that
Councils shouldn’t participate in Council matters where there is a personal or financial interest
and that any interest should be disclosed. There was Council discussion regarding street
assessments affecting a Council Members neighborhood. Mr. Riggs commented that individual
situations should be brought to staff attention to be reviewed. Council discussed social
gatherings. Mr. Riggs discussed public perception and explained that Council Members could
not discuss city business at a social gathering. Mr. Riggs discussed the definition of posting
public notices. City Clerk Domeier discussed the advance notice, posting and public record of
special Council meetings. Mr. Riggs explained that social gatherings and special meetings in the
context of the Council Member’s job should be posted.
Mr. Riggs provided League of Minnesota Cities documents for the Council to review.
City Council:
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Council Member Campbell commented on a No Parking Sign on 5 and Mainstreet that needs
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repair and the possibility of signage for the traffic intersection at Jackson Street and 2
Avenue. Mr. Mornson will discuss issue with City Engineer Stanley.
Council Member Gadd discussed the upcoming Ehlers Conference.
Council Member Halverson discussed a snow pile blocking access to the trail along the east
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side of 14 Avenue North. Mr. Stadler will investigate.
Mayor Cummings thanked the City Council members for their support during her first meeting
as Mayor.
Mayor Cummings discussed Council’s involvement in the selection of members to boards and
commissions. The Council commented that they would like to be informed of the openings and
would like to be given an opportunity to provide input on potential members.
City Manager Mornson encouraged the Council to promote the upcoming Citizen Academy.
Council Member Campbell will be the Representative and Council Member Kuznia the
Alternate for the Highway 169 Mobility Study.
Council Member Campbell will be the Council Liaison for the Park Board.
The Council will be invited to the upcoming Police Banquet.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the Work Session agenda for Tuesday, January
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The SWLRT platform design will be presented at the January 19, 2016 City Council meeting.
There was discussion about the State of City event on Thursday, January 28, 5 pm.
City Manager Mornson discussed travel and expenses reimbursement. Finance Director
Harkess will update the Council on the procedure.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Gadd,
Campbell seconded the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk