IV.2. Minutes of the May 3, 2016 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Cummings x Community Dev. Coordinator Beekman
x Council Member Kuznia x Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Halverson x Asst. City Manager Lenz
x Council Member Gadd
x Council Member Campbell
x City Manager Mornson
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Community Development
Grant Update:
Community Development Coordinator Beekman updated the Council on the $2,745,000 grants
received for the Artery project.
Public Works
Cottageville Park Pavilion Project:
Public Works Director Stadler updated the Council on the Cottageville Park Pavilion project
scheduled to begin this week. The project architect feels that the skylight would be beneficial in
the Pavilion. Staff is recommending cost savings by eliminating the color additive for the
concrete within the pavilion and removing one bench for a total of three benches in the fire pit
area. The skylight alternative costs $7,000 but with the cost savings of $5,000 the cost would be
reduced to $2,000.
Mayor Cummings commented that she felt adding $2,000 to an over budget project is not
responsible spending. Mayor Cummings expressed concern regarding the rules, policy and safety
issues of the fire pit.
There was Council discussion regarding the skylight. Council Members Campbell, Gadd, Kuznia
and Mayor Cummings agreed not to include the pavilion skylight and Council Member
Halverson commented she would like to include the skylight. Council consensus was to
eliminate the colored concrete and the one bench.
There was much Council discussion regarding the fire pit. Council Member Campbell
commented that the fire pit is an amenity that the neighborhood has asked for and that continued
discussion is needed regarding signage, wood supply, rules and how to deal with possible
resident complaints. Council Member Gadd commented that Cottageville Park is becoming a
regional destination and that those living in the Blake corridor have wanted the fire pit and
gardens. Council Member Gadd commented that the fire pit is located far enough from housing
that smoke shouldn’t be an issue, that wood could be supplied from removed trees and it will be
important to review the signage and policy for the fire pit. Council Member Halverson and
Kuznia commented that fire pit users should provide their own wood and that the fire pit will be
a learning curve and that Council and staff may receive phone calls and comments regarding the
fire pit.
Council discussed the budget for the parks, importance to work within the budget, reviewing the
park budgets on a case-by-case basis and engaging citizens.
Parking Ramp
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the condition of the 30-year old parking ramp structure
and the additional projects needed to maintain the property. Mr. Stadler explained that $250,000
is available in the Parking Rehab Fund but the project scope is budgeted at $361,000. Mr. Stadler
explained that a tax abatement bond would fund the project. Three bonds for the parks, street and
parking ramp would be under one umbrella. Finance Director Harkess and Ehlers, Inc. will
discuss the bond issue with the Council at a future meeting. Mr. Stadler commented that project
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bids will be opened on May 10 and the item will be on the May 17 Council agenda. The
signage upgrade would be a separate contract.
There was Council discussion regarding use of the ramp during construction and electric
charging system. Mr. Stadler commented that the contract states that no more than 80 parking
stalls would be out of service at one time and that staff is investigating costs to install a charge
point system in the ramp.
Street Reconstruction Project Update:
Public Works Director Stadler commented that the street project continues to move forward and
staff has received positive comments from the neighborhood. There was discussion of driveway
curb cuts. City Engineer Stanley has discussed the issues with the affected property owner.
Council Member Gadd commented that the Dow Towers fence looks great but that chairs are on
the alley side of the fence. Staff will investigate further.
Council Member Halverson commented on a complaint regarding crosswalk noise. Mr. Stadler
commented that staff is continuing to adjust the volumes at the crosswalks. Mr. Stadler explained
that Council could receive complaints regarding the new Mainstreet crosswalk system.
Crosswalks are compliant with ADA standards.
Council Member Halverson commented that a resident witnessed kids throwing landscape rocks
into the creek at Cottageville Park. Staff will investigate.
Council Member Campbell asked about a speed table system. Council Member Kuznia
explained that the system has been used in a neighboring city to calm cut-through traffic during
times of major roadway construction. City Engineer Stanley and Public Works Director Stadler
will discuss the possibility for short-term use.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell will be attending the Highway 169 Mobility meeting next
week.
Council Member Gadd will be attending the SWLRT Quarterly Management meeting.
Discussion will be on the 90% design completion, Operations and Maintenance Facility
and funding update.
Council Member Kuznia discussed a resident comment regarding chickens within the city
and the farm animal ordinance.
Council Member Kuznia commented on the need to further investigate tiny houses and
possible addition to the city ordinance.
Mayor Cummings discussed a letter of support for the Worlds Fair. Staff will create the
letter for Council review.
There was discussion regarding the Met Council. City Manager Mornson commented that
the city follows the Metro Cities position.
Mayor Cummings gave an update on the Metro Mayors meeting.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson reviewed a list of businesses with the Council and Planning and
Development Director Elverum will provide Council with additional information.
A movie is scheduled to be filmed in Hopkins on Saturday, May 7, 6-10 pm. A permit
has been issued.
Council is invited to attend the Hopkins Activity Center Volunteer Appreciation event on
Monday, May 9, 4-6 pm at LTD Brewery.
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Council members meet at City Hall on Tuesday, May 10, 3:30 pm for the SWLRT Tour.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the Work Session agenda.
Staff will be meeting with the Hopkins Hockey Association and Hopkins School District
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on May 12. Staff will update the Council.
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 8:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk