IV.2. Minutes of the February 16, 2016 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 8:15 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 Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Gadd
x Council Member Campbell
x City Manager Mornson
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Planning and Economic Development:
Community Development Coordinator Beekman presented information regarding proposed
changes to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Hennepin County
administers the programs for approximately thirty cities and is proposing to streamline the
contracts and reduce administrative costs. Currently Hopkins is the only city with a revolving
loan program requiring repayment of the loans. Ms. Beekman explained that Hopkins has a 12-
year revolving loan program and contracts with a private company to administer the loan portion.
In 2015 Hopkins collected approximately $800 in CDBG fund revenue after the service fee. The
City has received a smaller amount of money from the revolving loan program coming back into
the CDBG fund each year.
Planning and Development Director Elverum commented that the City has seen a number of
repeat users of the CDBG grant program. Staff discussed the option of lengthening the eligibility
time between grant applications.
There was Council consensus regarding eliminating the revolving loan and repayment portion of
the CDBG program. Council commented that streamlining the program would broaden the
appeal of the program and use of the housing rehabilitation funds would benefit the city. Council
recommended lengthening the deferment time to 15 years and allowing applicants’ only one
grant at a time.
City Manager Mornson discussed the distribution of the CDBG funds and the importance of
rehabilitating the housing stock. Council commented on the important work of the social service
agencies and that they would like staff to discuss the CDBG fund distribution at a Council Work
Session prior to the annual Public Hearing.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the option for a special assessment for residents who are
experiencing a large financial repair and/or replacement of their water and sewer services. Mr.
Stadler explained that the resident acquires their own contractor, there would be no income
restrictions and that the interest rate could be handled similarly to the street reconstruction
interest rate. The program information is tailored after a program in St. Louis Park. Mr. Stadler
commented that if available and qualified, the CDBG funds could also be available for
emergency home repairs. The agreement would be available on the city website and given to
residents having water and sewer problems.
City Council:
Council Member Gadd discussed exploring different conference opportunities, such as
being a presenter about what the City of Hopkins has done as well as gaining knowledge
about things we can use in the City of Hopkins. Council discussed the perception of
conference travel and evaluating the benefit of particular conferences. Council members and
staff will continue to look at conference options on individual basis.
Mayor Cummings attended the Highway 169 Open House which was well attended.
MnDOT is making changes to plan including constructing a Causeway rather than a bridge
over Nine Mile Creek. The new plan could be less expensive and reduce construction and
road noise. MnDOT is considering hosting a future public information meeting.
Mayor Cummings will keep the Council updated on the Caring Youth Awards.
Mayor Cummings discussed the upcoming University of Minnesota study on diverse
populations.
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Mayor Cummings had to the opportunity to read to 6 Graders at Eisenhower Elementary.
City Manager Mornson discussed upcoming meetings with Cargill representatives and a
joint meeting with the Hopkins School Board.
There was discussion about the Citizen Academy curriculum and Council Member
attendance on the scheduled dates.
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Staff is working with the Hopkins Post Office regarding the no parking areas along 8 and
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9 Avenues.
35 applications were received for the Assistant City Manager position and interviews of
select candidates will be happening soon.
Mr. Mornson gave an update on the interest by a hotel developer to locate in Hopkins.
Mr. Stanley and Ms. Beekman will be meeting with the City of North St. Paul regarding the
Mainstreet reconstruction project.
Police Chief Reynolds will be speaking on the Joint Community Police Partnership (JCPP)
program at a meeting of Metro Cities.
The presenter podium in the Council Chambers will be undergoing technology updates.
Council discussed the concerns of a Mainstreet business owner regarding sidewalk cafés and
loss of parking along Mainstreet.
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 9:22 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk