IV.3. Minutes of the April 12, 2016 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 12, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 6:32 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall, 1010 First
Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Member Campbell, Gadd, Halverson
and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Community Development
Coordinator Beekman, Planning and Development Director Elverum, Finance Director Harkess,
Assistant City Manager Lenz, Public Works Director Stadler and Parks and Streets
Superintendent Strachota.
UPDATE FROM COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Hennepin County Residential
Assessor Ashlei Munneke and Hennepin County Senior Appraiser Jeff Nienaber. Ms. Munneke
discussed the residential market values and home sales. Hopkins overall residential growth for
the 2016 assessment was a 5.3% increase. Ms. Munneke commented that there were 297 home
sales in 2015 and that there is still room for growth in market values since the recession. Ms.
Munneke explained the inspection and notification process for residential appraisals. The 2016
Hopkins Open Book Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 5-7 pm at Hopkins City Hall.
City Manager Mornson asked about the types of calls the Assessor office receives from
residents. Ms. Munneke explained that most resident calls are regarding property taxes and
valuation.
Mr. Nienaber discussed the commercial market values. The overall growth in Hopkins was
24% with the largest increase affecting apartment buildings. Mr. Nienaber explained that
Gallery Flats and Marketplace and Main apartments were undervalued and the market value
went up significantly. Mr. Nienaber received approximately six phone calls and the questions
were dealt with over the phone. Council asked about increases in surrounding communities. Mr.
Nienaber commented that the commercial increases in the area were similar to Hopkins. Mr.
Nienaber commented that commercial properties along Mainstreet will be inspected this year.
BLAKE ROAD REDEVELOPMENT
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Pat Mascia, Briggs and
Morgan, Cathy Bennett, ULI MN, Erica Christenson, LHB, Inc., Sandra Meulners, LHB, Inc.,
Michael Fischer, LHB, Inc., Rolf Kemen, CBRE, Patricia Fitzgerald, Hennepin County, Elise
Durbin, Hennepin County, Gordon Hughes, ULI MN, Tony Barranco, Ryan Companies, James
Wisker, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and Richard Miller, Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District.
Planning and Development Director Elverum gave an overview of the Blake Road Area
Redevelopment process and partners. Ms. Elverum explained that the neighborhood has been
involved in the vision for the area through community meetings using the Corridor Development
Initiative (CDI) process. The CDI process identified recommendations for the Blake Road
Corridor including a connected, walkable infrastructure, preserving neighborhood diversity,
improving water quality of Minnehaha Creek and strengthening neighborhood retail. The CDI
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 12, 2016
process identified three sites for redevelopment potential: Lift Station owned by the Met Council,
43 Hoops property and Cold Storage site.
Mr. Pat Mascia, Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) Chair, discussed the development challenges
and recommendations for the area. Mr. Mascia gave an overview of area parcels and surrounding
neighborhoods and discussed the opportunities, concerns, market feasibility and area amenities
that the TAP panel examined to create a long-term vision for the area. Mr. Mascia discussed
recommendations for the three redevelopment areas:
Cold Storage site:
The TAP panel determined that the Cold Storage site would be best suited for housing such as
urban style townhomes and other mixed income housing. Retail below housing is not a good
option due to parking challenges and a hotel would have limited visibility. Minnehaha Creek is a
big asset for the area. Mr. Mascia recommended a contract with a master developer and creation
of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to accommodate differing uses. There was Council
discussion regarding density for the area. Mr. Mascia explained that townhomes are a very
marketable development and minimizing the number of roads would open up the area and
maintain connections to trails and the creek. The size and location of the site best suits
residential.
nd
2 Street site:
Mr. Mascia commented that the site is not a marketable housing site. The site could be used for
potential retail expansion, support of neighborhood retail and future parking.
Hiawatha site:
Mr. Mascia commented that the site could be opened up as a destination area to increase access
to the creek and connection to the park and trail.
Planning and Development Director Elverum discussed the importance of setting rules, design
standards, access and affordability to create a sustainable and inviting community.
Mayor Cummings thanked the TAP panelists for their thoughts and ideas that will assist future
planning in the Blake Road area.
LHB, Inc.
Ms. Erica Christenson and Ms. Sandra Meulners, LHB, Inc., discussed development concepts for
the three redevelopment sites. LHB staff explained that the concept site plan showcases the creek
and Cottageville Park and connects people to the area amenities.
Hiawatha Lift Station and 43 Hoops site:
LHB staff discussed concepts for the area that would connect green space and people to the
creek, trails and SWLRT while maintaining neighborhood scale retail, parking and a long-term
vision for high density residential in a phased development.
Cold Storage site:
LHB staff discussed two different concepts that include housing, public creek access and a grid
of roads with a lot of green space. To maximize density, parking would be under the structures
with small retail use. The second concept includes townhomes as live-work units and common
space. LHB staff explained the parking concept that would wrap the first level of parking with
residential.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 12, 2016
Community Development Coordinator Beekman discussed existing zoning, density for the area,
neighborhood desire for community meeting space and the goal to have public access to the
creek. There was discussion regarding the 43 Hoops site’s need for surface parking.
Mr. Rolf Kemen, CBRE, gave an overview of financial data to predict project feasibility. Mr.
Kemen discussed the aspects of project costs including rents, affordable housing, community
space, parking, streets and utilities. Mr. Kemen explained that rents would determine the level of
interest by developers. The current base rate is $1.85 sq. ft. per month.
Ms. Elverum commented that the city will need to continue to look at the issues, costs and
retailer expectations in the area.
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD)
Mr. James Wisker, MCWD, gave an overview of the Cold Storage site and the MCWD plan to
revitalize the Minnehaha Creek corridor, expand green space, public access and restore water
rd
quality. Mr. Wisker discussed the projected timetable that includes a RFQ in the 3 quarter of
2016, 2017 master planning, property vacated at the end of 2017 with demolition in 2018.
Mayor Cummings thanked all the members for their input regarding the Blake Road area.
Ms. Elverum commented that follow up conversations are needed to discuss the density in the
area, infrastructure costs, affordability and sustainability of the site to create the best
development possible. Ms. Elverum commented that the information will be shared with
Community Works and Hennepin County Commissioners.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development Coordinator Beekman provided information on the eight art banners
with Think Hopkins logo that will be displayed along Mainstreet. The artists were not
compensated and cost for the project was part of the Mainstreet reconstruction.
The City Council SWLRT area tour will be on Tuesday, May 10, 3:30 pm.
New Think Hopkins t-shirts will soon be available.
EMERALD ASH BORER DISCUSSION
Parks and Streets Superintendent Strachota
Public Works Director Stadler and gave an overview of
the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) threat in Minnesota. Currently EAB has not been identified in Hopkins but
another tree disease, Burr Oak Blight has been identified in the Interlachen and Bellgrove neighborhoods.
Mr. Strachota explained that Hopkins has 1500-1800 public ash trees and approximately 6000 privately
owned ash trees. Mr. Strachota discussed the Shade Tree Disease Control Ordinance and explained that
the Forestry Department personnel resources are necessary for tree removal, reforestation and tree care.
The current ordinance allows residents to stack logs on the boulevard from removed trees for Forestry
Department staff to haul. To conserve time, staff is recommending that removal of logs be the
responsibility of the tree removal contractor.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 12, 2016
Mr. Strachota discussed the public concerns about EAB, tree removal and the pros and cons of preventive
chemical treatment of trees. Mr. Strachota discussed the environmental factors of chemical treatment and
that once a tree is treated it needs to be done forever. The Forestry Department reforestation program
replaces removed boulevard trees with a diversity of linden, oak, Kentucky coffee, ginkgo and honey
locust. Forestry staff does offer residents some choice options of trees to be planted. Mr. Strachota
explained the process to remove diseased trees on private property.
There was Council discussion regarding bulk cost of chemical tree treatment and a tree sale program for
residents.
Mr. Stadler explained that by revising the scope of services that the Forestry Department provides will
maximize the use of resources to meet the challenges.
The Council encouraged good communication with residents regarding EAB and tree removal
information.
Assistant City Manager Lenz suggested a FAQ regarding the forestry program on the city website.
DISCUSS AMENDING CITY CODE SECTION 1020.31 FOR TALL GRASS, WEEDS, AND
ENCROACHING BRUSH ABATEMENT AND PENALTY FEES
Public Works Director Stadler and Streets & Parks Superintendent Strachota discussed amending
the code for abatement and penalty fees. The current billing system is time consuming for staff.
Staff is proposing a set flat fee for nuisance abatement. Council consensus was to set the flat fee
with a cap of $200 to the penalty fee.
UPDATES
Council is asked to give feedback to the staff regarding the new wayfinding sign installed on
th
14 and Mainstreet.
Totes repurposed from old street pole banners will be available for sale on the City website.
Cost is $15 for the small size and $20 for the large size.
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the favorable bids for the VFW parking lot work.
The Dow Tower fencing for the smoking area will be installed mid-May.
Mayor Cummings discussed a possible press event with Senator Franken regarding SWLRT
funding. Mayor Cummings will keep the Council updated.
Hopkins Police Department has issued a parking lot crime alert.
A Highway 169 construction update will be presented at the Hopkins Business and Civic
Association meeting in June or July. City Manager Mornson will check if another residential
community meeting will be scheduled.
Ms. Beekman will be presenting information regarding the housing strategy for the SWLRT.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 12, 2016
City Manager Mornson gave an update on the restructuring of personnel at the Hopkins
Center for the Arts. A new Director of Development has been hired and will be meeting with
Council in the future.
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 10:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk