IV.3. Minutes of the July 19, 2016 Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 19, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, July 19, 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, Assistant City Manager
Lenz, Finance Director Harkess, Fire Chief Specken and Public Works Director Stadler.
2017 BURNES PARK IMPROVEMENTS
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Roland Aberg, Hart-Howerton,
Ltd. and Jeff Corniea, Commercial Recreation Specialist (representing Vortex Aquatic Structures
Intl.). Public Works Director Stadler explained that the preliminary design plans for Burnes Park
are part of the Park Reinvestment Plan for 2017. The next steps will be to schedule public
outreach to engage input regarding the improvement plans. Mr. Aberg gave an overview of the
Burnes Park site plan and overall changes and improvements. Mr. Aberg explained that the
revised site plan includes incorporating summer uses for the winter skate trail area, playground
seating, plaza and pavilion design and renovation of the existing warming house. Mr. Aberg
explained that renovations to the existing warming house would include handicap-accessible
year-round restrooms with doors open during the park hours.
Mayor Cummings asked about the size of the new pavilion and restrooms. Mr. Aberg
commented that the new pavilion would be approximately the same size as the existing pavilion
and the restrooms would include a bench and hooks for changing. The pavilion tables would be
movable for multiple functions.
Mr. Aberg gave an overview of the Splash Pad features, water elements, water usage and future
expansion possibilities. Mr. Aberg explained that the proposed splash pad maximum water
usage would be 25,000 gallons per day and that staff is in discussion with the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District (MCWD) regarding storm water management. Mr. Aberg commented on the
importance of adequate shade areas around the splash pad. The cost to build the splash pad
would be approximately $90,000.
Mr. Corniea gave an overview of the splash pad design, options for upgrades, layout of splash
pad features, location of seating areas and the programmable, sequenced water features of the
system. Mr. Corniea gave an overview of the proposed Smart Point pump and drain system. The
water supply for the system would be potable, not recycled water, which would be discharged
into the storm water management system. Mr. Corniea explained that additional valves could be
added to the pad base for adding additional water features in the future.
Council Member Campbell asked about the water usage. Mr. Corniea explained that the 25,000
gallons per day is maximum usage and that times and sequence of sprays can be programmed
into the system. The annual water consumption depends on number of water features in the
splash pad.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 19, 2016
Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the preliminary costs. The Park Board had concerns about the
need for a cleaner type of play surface at the playground to prevent debris in the splash pad.
Staff is looking into play surface options and costs.
Council Member Kuznia commented that he liked the options for future expansion and LED
lighting. He asked about reuse of water for lawn areas, use of colored concrete in the wet area,
Wi-Fi in the park, option to plant larger trees for shade and Handicap parking. Mr. Corniea
explained that pigments add cost to the concrete. Mr. Stadler discussed the minimal benefit from
water reuse, that he will investigate the addition of Wi-Fi and staff will discuss parking with the
church. Mr. Aberg commented that the trees in the plan are 2-1/2” diameter but they can look at
adding 4” diameter trees around the plaza area.
Council Member Campbell asked about a Cricket Field and if the LED lights would work in
winter. Mr. Stadler commented that staff is looking at Oakes Park for the Cricket Field and Mr.
Corniea commented that the LED lights are functional in the winter.
Council Member Gadd liked the LED light option for multiuse functions and the renovations of
the existing warming house. Council Member Gadd asked about the life expectancy of the wood
benches and park lighting. Mr. Aberg commented that the benches could last 20 years and the
lighting package includes efficient trail lighting for atmosphere and security.
Council Member Halverson asked about the rain garden expansion and pavilion tables. Mr.
Aberg explained that rain garden expansion would not effect the horseshoe pits. Mr. Stadler
explained that the proposed furniture would be free standing to allow for flexible uses.
Mayor Cummings asked if Zion Lutheran Church staff has seen the proposed plan and about
splash pad hours on Sunday. Mr. Stadler has sent the plan to the Pastor and staff will coordinate
splash pad hours with the church. Mayor Cummings asked about the splash pad capacity and
location of the Little Library. Mr. Corniea commented that 50-70 kids could be on splash pad
area and Mr. Aberg commented that the Little Library is in the park plan. Mayor Cummings
expressed concern regarding water usage, water conservation and importance of educating
residents about the splash pad water usage. Mr. Stadler commented that the City provides
residents with other types of water recreation and the splash pad would be another type of
offering. The maximum water usage of 25,000 gallons per day would cost approximately $75 per
day.
Assistant City Manager Lenz asked about the computer reliability. Mr. Corniea explained the
maintenance requirements, warranty and reprogramming costs. Mr. Corniea commented that the
LED lighting would require the more advanced computer system.
City Manager Mornson commented on the cost of splash pads. Mr. Corniea explained that
Vortex Aquatic Structures, Intl. is very experienced in installing splash pads in Minnesota and
Wisconsin.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 19, 2016
The Council commented that parks add to the quality of life in Hopkins and look forward to the
project moving forward. Mr. Stadler will schedule a public outreach opportunity after Labor
Day.
2017-2021 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN (ERP)
Finance Director Harkess discussed the highlights and summary of changes to the first draft of
the 2017-2021 Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP).
Council Member Halverson asked which fire truck is due for replacement. Chief Specken
explained that Engine 2 is 36 year old and is considered unreliable to use. The Fire Department is
trying to sell the old truck but has no buyers at this time. Fire Chief Specken commented that the
department is looking to downsize a truck that is scheduled for replacement in 7 years. Council
commented on the costs of Police body cameras, additional staffing needs and data server
capacity. Ms. Harkess commented that additional staffing would be in the operational budget
and that the addition of cameras and the data server would be in the same year.
Finance Director Harkess discussed the shortages in the ERP fund, bonding for equipment and
the effects on the cash flow. Ehlers Inc. will evaluate the ERP and Financial Management Plan.
Ms. Harkess commented that the preliminary general levy is due September 30 so the staff will
continue to assess the plan and make adjustments. Ms. Harkess asked that the Council review the
plan and address questions and concerns with the Finance Dept.
2017-2021 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)
Finance Director Harkess gave an overview of the summary of changes to the 2017-2021 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP).
Assistant City Manager Lenz discussed the City Hall upgrades. Ms. Lenz commented that a
portion of the upgrades would be funded by the Communications Fund. Ms. Harkess commented
that the projects are in the CIP as “place holders” and are there for future discussion. The CIP
shows the total cost of the project not separated out by the funding source.
Ms. Harkess explained that Ehlers is working on the Utility Master Plan and will incorporate
changes into the Water Fund. There was much discussion regarding the Pavilion Ice Arena fund
and the challenges to fund the required refrigeration system upgrades. Staff is meeting with the
th
Hopkins School District on August 9 regarding the Ice Arena and will continue to look for
funding sources.
Finance Director Harkess discussed the shortages in the CIP fund and that the fund will not be
able to meet all the demands. Staff will continue to adjust and modify the CIP fund. Ms. Harkess
commented that the CIP is a baseline for Council to review and that staff will continue to fine
tune and adjust the plan.
UPDATES
Council Member Halverson commented that Public Works did a great job cleaning up after the
Raspberry Festival.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 19, 2016
Council Member Campbell commented that the parking restrictions during the Raspberry Festival
parade were helpful for Park Ridge neighborhood.
Council Member Campbell attended the Park Board meeting.
Council Member Gadd attended the League of Minnesota Cities policy committee meeting.
Council Member Gadd updated the Council on the SWLRT Quarter Management Committee agenda
for Thursday, July 21. Council Member Campbell commented that the CAC meeting was cancelled
again and discussed the need for committee expectations and a plan going forward.
Council Member Gadd commented that the special Legislative session could be scheduled for the end
of August.
Mayor Cummings attended the Metro Cities meeting last week. There was a lot discussion regarding
“drop houses.”
Council will begin the process for City Manager Mornson’s annual review. The September date is to
be determined.
The Doran project requested an early construction start time of 6 a.m. due to high heat warnings this
week. Staff has notified area apartment complexes.
There was discussion regarding the agenda for National Night Out.
City Manager Mornson commented that the 4-day suspensions for the liquor violations would begin
on Friday for 4 area businesses.
City Manager Mornson gave the Council the “Request for Personnel Changes” to review. Questions
should be addressed with Mr. Mornson.
Assistant City Manager Lenz is working with the Hopkins Historical Society regarding their project
to take 60-year anniversary photos. The city will promote the project.
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 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk