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IV.3. Minutes of the May 10, 2016 Work Session Proceedings HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MAY 10, 2016 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 6:31 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 and Planning and Development Director Elverum. HBCA UPDATE In addition to City staff, a representative present for the item was Hopkins Business and Civic Association (HBCA) Board President Amy Saldanha, owner of Kiddywampus. Community Development Coordinator Beekman gave an overview of the staff report. HBCA Board President Saldanha explained that HBCA has created a new vision for the organization. HBCA would continue to act as a bridge between the community and business leaders, would like to actively partner with the City of Hopkins and is rebranding the annual Music in the Park event to be called Summerfest. Ms. Saldanha explained the leadership changes and succession plan within the organization. The HBCA board has developed three organization initiatives: 1. Internal Communication: HBCA has improved their website, will have relevant speakers and networking opportunities at the meetings, has developed a Facebook page and will work to improve partnerships with the City and other nonprofit organizations. 2. Operations: HBCA has implemented best practices, fiscal responsibility, Google drive for the membership and is enhancing the annual meetings. 3. External marketing and partnerships: HBCA is promoting the Think Hopkins brand, would like to partner with the City, has formed a marketing subcommittee and is working on grant programs for HBCA members. Ms. Saldanha asked for the City Council feedback on ways HBCA and the City could partner. There was Council discussion on the HBCA membership, temporary business pop-ups and new ideas for collaboration. Ms. Saldanha commented that HBCA has 200 active members and that the new initiative to grow membership includes a calendar year enrollment period. Council Member Gadd discussed the idea of a business summit. Ms. Beekman discussed the insurance and permitting challenges of temporary pop-ups locating in empty storefronts. Ms. Beekman discussed Summerfest events with the possibility of adding vendors and food trucks in the future. There was discussion regarding civic organization participation in HBCA and benefits of membership. City Manager Mornson commented that the Hopkins Rotary could be considered as a partner for future events. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MAY 10, 2016 Ms. Saldanha commented that the Think Hopkins Facebook page could be a powerful marketing tool for all partners to share events. Ms. Saldanha explained that HBCA is an opportunity for different entities to develop relationships, interaction with each other and a resource for topics of interest to business owners. Council Member Campbell suggested surveying the membership. nd HBCA meetings will be held on the 2 Tuesday, 12 pm, at Hopkins Center for the Arts. Mayor Cummings thanked HBCA for their interest in the City of Hopkins. Planning and Economic Development Update Planning and Development Director Elverum and Community Development Coordinator Beekman gave an update on the following items: 1. “Guide to Awesomeness” or “Mainstreet: Keeping it Real” Committee (final name to be determined) Ms. Elverum explained that the committee of 15 members would meet four times beginning in June. Ms. Elverum discussed the goals, mission and meeting topics of the committee. The committee goal would be to develop a 5-year work plan and a direction document. Ms. Elverum will continue to update the Council. th 2. 8 Avenue N. properties Ms. Elverum explained that SRF Consulting specializing in property acquisition was contacted to reach out to the property owners. Ms. Elverum explained that the properties would not be appraised until both property owners were committed. SRF charges an hourly rate and the contract is not to exceed $5,000. 3. Shady Oak Road Ms. Elverum commented that staff is working with Tuttle’s on their plan for an outdoor patio in front of the business. Ms. Elverum discussed the timing and demolition of the Syndicate Sales building. The VFW project will include new signage, lighting and parking lot improvements. The contractor will minimize the amount of time parking is restricted to help alleviate the parking challenges during the lot construction. Ms. Elverum explained that the City of Minnetonka has had a neighborhood meeting regarding the Ring property. The property could possibly be developed into townhomes. 4. Met Council grant funding update Ms. Beekman explained reasons why staff has decided it is best to wait for the next round of applications to apply for funding for structure parking at the Shady Oak Station site. Staff is working on the 2020-21 application for funding for the Artery, Blake Road and a cycle track th extension on 17 Avenue. 5. Façade update Ms. Beekman discussed the business façade improvements to date. Staff is looking at further funding the façade program in 2017. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MAY 10, 2016 6. Think Hopkins mobile app Ms. Beekman discussed the Think Hopkins app and the staff’s frustration working with City Center Marketing. Staff is suggesting that the city discontinue the contract for the Think Hopkins App or contact City Center with a list of demands and a firm deadline. Ms. Beekman commented that the Think Hopkins website is very mobile friendly and administered by city staff. There is no contract or obligation with City Center for the Think Hopkins app. Council was concerned about Hopkins businesses that contracted for the app. Staff commented that it would be a courtesy to send a letter to businesses on the Think Hopkins app. Council consensus was to discontinue the Think Hopkins app. 7. Farmers Market Staff met with Farmers Market representatives and they were enthusiastic about expanding the market. The challenge is finding a consistent location with enough parking. Staff would be contacting Pizza Luce about use of a portion of the parking lot, Tuesdays, 12-5 pm, beginning this summer. UPDATES  Council Member Halverson commented on the good Girls on the Town (GOTT) event.  Council Member Campbell gave an update on the opening of the comedy club.  Council Member Kuznia commented that there was a lot of trash around the Valley Park Picnic Shelter and concerns about a tree at 11 Blake Road. Public Works staff will be informed.  There was discussion about solicitors in Hopkins.  Council Member Gadd gave an update on the SWLRT CMC meeting. Council Members were encouraged promote the SWLRT to the Legislative Representatives.  Council Member Gadd commented that organizations are looking at Hopkins as a pedestrian friendly area.  Mayor Cummings discussed the Let’s Talk about Race in Hopkins meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 6:30-8 pm at Eisenhower Community Center.  Mayor Cummings commented that the Learn Program for Cargill would be on Thursday, June 9.  Mayor Cummings will be contacting applicants regarding the openings on the Zoning & Planning Commission and Park Board.  City Manager Mornson gave an update on the racial equity joint meeting with the Hopkins School Board on Tuesday, May 17. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS MAY 10, 2016  The Moline ground breaking would be on Tuesday, May 17.  City Manager Mornson commented that City Building Officials are busy working on plan reviews.  City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the agenda for May 17.  Staff will be meeting with the Hopkins Youth Hockey Association on Thursday, May 12. 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 8:42 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Vold ATTEST: ___________________________ Molly Cummings, Mayor ____________________________ Amy Domeier, City Clerk