IV.2. Minutes of the April 19, 2016 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Cummings x Planning and Dev. Dir. Elverum
x Council Member Kuznia x Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Halverson x Community Dev. Coordinator Beekman
x Council Member Gadd x City Attorney Scott Riggs
x Council Member Campbell x Asst. City Manager Lenz
x City Manager Mornson
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Community Development
Medical Marijuana Moratorium:
Planning and Development Director Elverum discussed the expiring medical marijuana
moratorium. Ms. Elverum explained that this would be a new type of use and it is not addressed
in the Hopkins City Code. Council has the opportunity to discuss the permitted use now and
make a decision whether to allow it, not allow it or restrict it to a specific area. City Attorney
Riggs discussed the options with the Council and explained that is it better to have a permitted
use addressed in the City Code. Council asked Mr. Riggs about what other communities are
doing. Mr. Riggs explained that it is new legislation with only three dispensaries open in
Minnesota and there is not a lot of data to date on the effects within a community.
Mayor Cummings commented that it is better to be proactive and address the permitted use now.
Council Member Campbell and Kuznia commented that they would be fine waiting. Council
Member Halverson and Gadd commented that they would like to address the zoning for the
permitted use. Ms. Elverum commented that the business park zone would be a possible location
but the industrial zone wouldn’t have sufficient parking.
Council consensus was to think through the issues and address the permitted use now. Staff will
gather additional information and update the Council.
Minneapolis Moline Museum in the Kelly Doran Project:
Planning and Development Director Elverum explained that Mr. Doran is reworking the building
space to include a public museum to display Minneapolis Moline memorabilia. The museum
could be viewed through the exterior windows or accessed through the lobby area with restricted
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hours. Staff commented that the museum would be a positive visual along 8 Avenue and that
the change to the PUD agreement would require administrative approval. Council consensus was
in support of the change.
Grants
Planning and Development Director Elverum and Community Development Director Beekman
discussed the Business District Initiative Grant to support suburban main streets. Staff applied
for a grant in the amount of $50,000 to expand the work of NDC over 2 years along Mainstreet
and to partner with the University of Minnesota to hire a retail merchandising paid intern to work
with Mainstreet businesses. Ms. Beekman explained that the program was very successful along
University Avenue during the Green Line construction. The programs could help Hopkins
businesses be in the best economic condition prior to the SWLRT construction. The City
received $30,000 and would need to scale back the scope of the work. Ms. Elverum and Ms.
Beekman commented that they felt the best way to use the limited resources would be to scale
back the program proportionally and offer it to businesses on a first come, first serve basis with
the hope of expanding the program in the future. The grant does require a measurable outcome.
Staff would develop a survey for the participating business owners.
Council congratulated the staff on getting the grant and the consensus was to scale back the
program to one-year in length. Staff will keep the Council updated on the program.
Update on HBCA Summerfest:
Ms. Beekman gave an overview of the Thursday Summerfest events, participating bands, local
business participation, outdoor movies and lunchtime fitness classes. Summerfest kicks off on
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June 16 with the John Phillips Sousa Band and a tribute to Veterans.
Ms. Beekman commented that staff is working on a movie license and outdoor movie equipment
policy. The outdoor movie equipment will be available to community groups.
Façade Project update
Ms. Beekman commented that the old Jack Yee site, Glenrose building site and Mainstreet Bar
and Grill are participating in the Façade Project. There was discussion of possible uses for excess
program funds.
The updating of the Village Apartments will be featured in an upcoming Star Tribune article.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the proposed traffic signal at Pierce Street. Mr. Stadler
gave an overview of the signalized and non-signalized plans. Mr. Stadler commented that the
signal does not meet Hennepin County’s policy and Hennepin County does not feel a signal is
needed until the area starts redeveloping. The SWLRT Project Office would go along with the
Hennepin County decision. The City of Hopkins and Metro Transit want the signal at Pierce
Street for pedestrian safety, traffic access and redevelopment opportunity.
Council consensus was to prepare a statement to the Hennepin County Board that the City of
Hopkins wants a signal light at Pierce Street.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation
Public Works Director Stadler read a statement from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
regarding the Meadowbrook Golf Course redevelopment. Additional information is available on
the Minneapolis Park and Recreation website.
City Council:
Council Member Kuznia commented that the Battery’s R Us advertising is in the public
right-of-way, which is against city code.
Discussion of the safety of pedestrians crossing Excelsior Boulevard at unmarked locations.
Council Member Kuznia discussed that some southwest Cities have been approached by a
private company to use the public right-of-way. City Manager will discuss with staff about
updating the right-of-way policy and code and keep the Council updated.
Council Member Kuznia suggested that City Council Members staff an “Ask the City” booth
at the Hopkins Farmers Market.
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Discussion of traffic back ups at 2 Street and Monroe. Council Member Kuznia suggested
that the lane width be evaluated for the possible addition of a turn lane.
Council Member Halverson commented on the Council Chamber updates to the presentation
system.
Council Member Halverson asked about Earth Day events. No formal events scheduled in
Hopkins.
Council Member Gadd suggested a miniature Moline tractor and Hopkins History Book as a
gift to Hopkins’ sister city Boryspil, Ukraine.
Council Member Campbell commented that a yellow flashing turn signal is needed at Blake
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and 2 Street.
Mayor Cummings asked for ideas for the Metro Mayor Association meeting gift exchange.
Mayor Cummings commented on the positive media focus on Hopkins.
The State of the County event was well attended.
The Council SWLRT tour will be on Tuesday, May 10, 3:30 pm.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the Tuesday, April 26 Historical Society
agenda and tour of the Masonic Lodge.
The Joint Hopkins School District meeting will be on Tuesday, May 17.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on upcoming City Council agenda items.
The Hopkins Police Department was contacted regarding SuperValu labor relation issues.
Mr. Mornson will keep the Council updated on proposed TIF legislation.
The Park Commission and Public Works Director Stadler are working on a policy for the
public fire pit usage.
Discussion regarding the three Zoning and Planning Commission applications. Council
consensus was that all the applicants had good qualities for the position.
There was discussion regarding guidelines for commission and board members. Assistant
City Manager Lenz commented that staff could look at formalizing codes of conducts, terms
and recruiting times across all boards and commissions.
The Moline ground breaking will be on Monday, May 16, 4 pm.
The Citizen Academy Graduation will be on Tuesday, May 3 at the City Council meeting.
City Manager Mornson commented that Assistant City Manager Lenz has been busy
familiarizing herself and getting to know city staff.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, seconded by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk