IV.3. Minutes of the March 8, 2016 Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 8, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall, 1010 First
Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Pro Tem Halverson called the meeting to order with Council Members Campbell, Gadd
and Kuznia attending. Mayor Cummings was absent. Staff present included Assistant City
Manager Genellie, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Planning and Economic Development
Elverum, Community Development Coordinator Beekman, City Planner Lindahl and Solid
Waste Coordinator Hove and Public Works Director Stadler.
BRCC UPDATE
Lisa Walker, Ann Buech and Peg Keenen were present on behalf of the BRCC. Ms. Buech
provided a presentation with information about the history of the BRCC and its current activities.
The Council Members and City Manager will be added to the email list to find out about the
upcoming events. Discussion was held about the activities offered and the coordination, the
community garden, relationships built and the community feeling in the corridor.
Mayor Pro Tem Halverson questioned the future of the BRCC. Ms. Buech was excited to
continue bringing the residents and partners together. Ms. Keenan talked about the funding for
the BRCC. Ms. Walker talked about the connection between the school district and the BRCC.
Community Development Coordinator Beekman concurred with Ms. Walker about the
relationship benefits with the residents for the PPL and Cottageville Park projects.
Council Member Gadd questioned if crime was still a concern in the neighborhood. Ms. Buech
stated that the crime level has changed. She talked about her experience partnering with the
Hopkins Police Department. Development Director Elverum encouraged the BRCC residents to
join the Citizen Academy.
DISCUSS THE RENEWAL OF HOPKINS RECYCLING CONTRACT WITH WASTE
MANAGEMENT; STADLER
Solid Waste Coordinator Hove provided a summary of the staff report. Ms. Hove noted that an
updated sticker program will be coming soon. She will also be requesting that Waste
Management provide the City notice when a cart is tagged. Brief discussion was held about the
recycling of items. The item will be considered by the City Council at the March 15, 2016 City
Council Meeting. Ms. Hove also provided an update about organics recycling program and will
report back later this summer.
Ms. Hove also started the dialog about the possibility of a polystyrene ban in Hopkins. Updates
will be provided as the research develops. The City Council supported starting the conversation.
PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING REHAB PROJECT FUNDING
Public Works Director Stadler provided a summary of the staff report. Discussion was held
about the in-ground vehicle lift, the General Fund reserves and funding sources. The item will
be considered by the City Council at the March 15, 2016 City Council Meeting.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 8, 2016
Public Works Director Steve Stadler also provided an update on the bids received for the
Cottageville Park Pavilion project. The item will be considered by the City Council at the March
15, 2016 City Council Meeting.
ECONOMIC DEVELPOMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
Director of Planning and Economic Development Elverum and Community Development
Coordinator Beekman provided a presentation on the proposed elements of the Economic
Development Strategic Plan. The City Council supported the proposed meeting format. Council
Member Gadd questioned if the City Council is ready to see a goal that may be different than
expected. Ms. Elverum talked about having an overarching goal.
Mayor Pro Tem Halverson asked a question about the proposed plan not including all Hopkins
businesses. Discussion was held about the options for moving the plan process to different areas
of Hopkins. City Planner Lindahl talked about the economic development component of the
comprehensive plan. Discussion was also held about a business improvement district.
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UDPATE PROCESS
City Planner Lindahl provided a presentation on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Process.
Council Member Gadd had a question about the process for reviewing area plans. Mr. Lindahl
explained the six month process is focused on broader regional issues. Director of Planning and
Economic Development Elverum explained the plan for using a consultant for some components.
LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST
City Clerk Domeier provided a summary of the staff report and requested feedback on the
proposed licensing. The City Council was comfortable moving forward with the request.
Discussion was held regarding changes to the City Code and Zoning Code for the restaurant
definition. It was also noted that these types of social businesses are becoming more popular and
the City Council was excited to bring the use to Mainstreet.
OTHER
Council Member Gadd provided an updates on the Racial Equity Cohort Election Official
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meeting scheduled for March 9; and a letter received about a home renovation on 8
Avenue.
Council Member Kuznia shared that he attended the March 7 Gears Meeting; provided
concerns on the traffic on Blake Road North; and stated he sent a Letter to the Editor
regarding light rail.
Council Member Campbell shared a concern received about the City’s water quality and
the work that City Manager Mornson and Public Works Director Stadler did to respond to
the concern.
Mayor Pro Tem Halverson had a question about a recent liquor license violation. Staff
said that they would get back to the Council clarifying what the penalty will be.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 8, 2016
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Kuznia,
second by Campbell, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk