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IV.3. Minutes of the January 19, 2016 Work Session following Regular Meeting ProceedingsMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, January 19, 2016 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Council Members and staff present at meeting included the following: x Mayor Cummings x Planning and Development Dir. Elverum x Council Member Kuznia x Community Dev. Coordinator Beekman x Council Member Halverson x Council Member Gadd x Council Member Campbell x City Manager Mornson The following updates were provided at the meeting: Planning and Economic Development: SWLRT Project Office representatives Sarah Ghandour and Ryan Kronzer addressed the Council regarding the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project and Hopkins station designs. Ms. Ghandour gave an update on the project schedule with passenger service scheduled to begin in 2020. Ms. Ghandour and Mr. Kronzer presented the design plans for the three Hopkins stations: Shady Oak Station: SWLRT project staff gave an overview of the station area, landscape and parking. The station will have a 600-stall park and ride lot. Ms. Ghandour commented that the design plans reflect a 75% budget cut with the focus on the plaza area rather than the parking lot. The proposed Locally Requested Capital Investment (LRCI) for the area includes green space and future bike storage. The project staff gave an overview of the station architecture, exterior building materials and lighting. The graphic design elements will include trees. There was Council discussion regarding buffering area businesses and the crosswalk. Ms. Ghandour explained that fencing and plantings will provide a barrier to businesses to the South of the station. A sidewalk for will allow pedestrians and LRT operators access to the station and the roadway markings will detail the trail crossing. Planning and Development Director Elverum commented that staff is encouraging alternative storm water treatment options to preserve sites for future development. Community Development Coordinator Beekman explained that the Cities of Hopkins and Minnetonka have partnered on ideas for the concept plan. Council discussed plaza fencing and allocation of contingency funds. Mr. Kronzer explained how contingency moneys are spent and that funds are used for base plan overruns. City Manager Mornson asked about the number of parking spots. Ms. Ghandour explained that 700 spots are planned but only 600 will be built until there is a need for a final build out of the parking. Downtown Hopkins Station SWLRT project staff gave an overview of the station area, landscape and covered bike parking area. Ms. Ghandour explained that the look of historic railroad tracks will be integrated into the landscape and the turf area can be utilized as a flexible space. The passenger drop off area will include some short-term parking stalls. The project staff gave an overview of the station architecture, exterior building materials and lighting. The graphic design elements will include details from Minneapolis Moline history. The project staff has met with the Luther Hopkins Honda dealership regarding the pedestrian crossing and upgrades to the plaza are a part of the agreement with Hopkins for taking the Operation and Maintenance Facility (OMF). There was Council discussion regarding the bike trail, bus operator restrooms, heated enclosures, and screening. The project staff commented that the bike trails will remain the same width as they are currently, that bus operator restrooms will be incorporated into the Doran project, heaters are provided for riders in the enclosures and project and city staff continue to discuss the details regarding screening of the utility building. Ms. Elverum asked about existing landscaping. The project staff commented that they are looking to save as many existing trees as possible. Ms. Beekman commented that the sidewalk along the south side of Excelsior Boulevard will be widened to make the station more accessible th from 5 Avenue. Ms. Beekman discussed the coordination and financial details of the Artery project scheduled for 2017. Blake Station Design SWLRT project staff gave an overview of the station area, landscape, bike parking and 89 stall park and ride lot with access drive. The regional bike trail will go under Blake Road and have access to the station via a ramp or stairway. Ms. Ghandour commented that landscape is focused on the plaza area and plantings will be used to soften the parking area. The project staff gave an overview of the station architecture, exterior building materials and lighting. The graphic design elements will include details reflecting the Minnehaha Creek. There was Council discussion regarding rail crossing and bike access to the station. The project staff commented that the rail crossing arms will protect both the freight and light rail tracks and that staff is investigating a bike channel along the stairway. Ms. Elverum discussed the location for public art and the Blake Road improvement project. Ms. Ghandour explained that a corner area is available for future art location and that staff are working in collaboration regarding road improvements. Ms. Ghandour discussed the station naming process. Road may be added to the Blake Station name and the Downtown Station name will remain the same. There was discussion regarding th Shady Oak Station vs. 17 Avenue Station. There was consensus that staff and Council should discuss the naming of the Shady Oak Station with the City of Minnetonka since they would be paying for some improvements in the area. Ms. Ghandour explained that the naming decision should be resolved in early February. Mayor Cummings thanked the SWLRT project staff for the informative presentation. City Council:  Council Member Campbell asked about the history of the Pay Equity Reports. Assistant City Manager Genellie can provide an overview.  Council Member Gadd gave an update on the SWLRT Executive Change Control meeting. Council Member Gadd will send the full packet to the Council.  Council Member Gadd gave an update on SWLRT funding discussion with State Representative Youakim. Council Members could encourage area Chamber of Commerce organizations to promote the SWLRT funding.  Council Member Halverson discussed Augustana Chapel View’s long-term plans for housing th along 5 Avenue. Staff will investigate further.  Mayor Cummings will attend the Area Mayors Meeting on February 12 at St. Louis Park City Hall.  Mayor Cummings commented on the Sun Sailor article noting that the Mayor’s term is 2 years not 4 years and that the editor had good comments regarding Hopkins staff.  The National League of Cities conference will be held in Washington D.C. in March.  Mayor Cummings will be walking in St. Paul Winter Carnival parade on February 6.  The 2015 City of Hopkins Annual Report is available. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Kuznia, seconded by Campbell, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Vold ATTEST: _________________________________ ____________________________________ Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk