IV.2. Minutes of the September 6, 2016 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 8:33 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Cummings x City Manager Mornson
x Council Member Kuznia x Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Halverson x Asst. City Manager Lenz
x Council Member Gadd x Planning & Development Dir. Elverum
x Council Member Campbell
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Community Development
Planning & Development Director Elverum gave an update on the project delays affecting the
business moves on Shady Oak Road. Syndicate Sales is scheduled to move in October and staff
is still hoping that the parking lot asphalt will be able to be installed this fall. Mayor Cummings
commented on the complexity of the project.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler provided an update on the Shady Oak Road landscape project.
Two bids were received and came in higher than projected. Staff is cancelling the bids and will
go out for bids in the spring to attract more competitive bids. Mr. Stadler commented that there
have been no resident calls regarding the landscape project. There was Council discussion
regarding the number of bids and cost. Mr. Stadler commented that staff is expecting better bids
in the spring and that the landscaping costs are split with the City of Minnetonka.
Mr. Stadler gave an update on the Cottageville Park Pavilion. Donators and contributors will be
invited to the ribbon cutting scheduled on Tuesday, October 4, 4 pm.
Mr. Stadler gave an update on the Valley and Oakes Parks warming house reconstruction
projects.
Mayor Cummings commented that the Council received great feedback regarding Public Works
at the Hopkins Farmers Market City Council booth.
City Council
Council Member Campbell will not be in attendance at the September 24th Farmers Market
City Council booth. A comment received at the August Farmers Market booth was that
“Think Hopkins” window clings are needed. Staff will investigate.
There was Council discussion regarding the appointment of a new member to the SWLRT
Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Council Members should send potential names of
candidates to City Manager Mornson. A letter from Mayor Cummings appointing the CAC
member is necessary.
Council Member Gadd will be attending the SWLRT Corridor Management Committee
(CMC) meeting on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. The next CMC meeting will be held in
November. Council Member Gadd thanked the Council for spreading the word regarding the
need for SWLRT funding and commented that SuperValu provided public support of the
SWLRT project.
The Jaycees have been constructing the Little Libraries for Oakes and Valley Park and will
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present the donation at the October 4 City Council meeting.
There was Council discussion regarding resident concerns about the regulation of parking
pads. Staff will investigate further.
There was Council discussion regarding Hennepin County health inspections. City Manager
Mornson commented that staff has met with Hennepin County to improve communication.
Council Members should provide City Manager Mornson with names of those who have
concerns regarding the health department inspections.
Council Member Kuznia commented that Hopkins and Nine Mile Creek was highlighted in a
report regarding creek repair and partnerships.
Council Member Kuznia discussed Interlachen neighborhood concerns regarding the Japs
Olson construction project.
Council Member Kuznia commented that the Cub Scouts might be attending a future City
Council meeting to complete badge requirements.
Council Member Halverson asked about the east end Welcome to Hopkins sign. Staff is
investigating a new location for the sign.
There was discussion regarding letters and emails received by staff and Council and the
appropriate way to respond. City Manager Mornson commented that it is preferred that one
staff person respond to correspondences. Assistant City Manager Lenz explained the
procedure regarding “Ask the City” comments.
There was discussion about a resident comment regarding the street cafés. Assistant City
Manager Lenz discussed the street café policy.
Mayor Cummings commented on the positive feedback received at the City Council Farmers
Market booth.
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Mayor Cummings commented on the good attendance at the August 17 Racial Equity Series
and the Alan Page book reading at Downtown Park.
Mayor Cummings discussed Blake Road and Excelsior Boulevard with County
Commissioner Callison. Ms. Callison will check with Hennepin County staff regarding the
concerns.
Mayor Cummings will be attending the MAC and CMC meetings.
Mayor Cummings and Hopkins Schools Superintendent, John Schultz had a conversation
regarding Hopkins Schools and the importance of communication between the city and
school district.
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City Manager Mornson’s employment review is scheduled for September 20.
Mayor Cummings will attend the Southwest Cities Mayor Meeting in Hopkins on Friday,
September 9.
Administration
Mayor Cummings and City Manager Mornson will be meeting with the Commissioner of
Transportation in September.
City Manager Mornson gave an overview of the Tabletop regarding the Emergency
Operations Plan on Tuesday, September 13, 5 pm at the Hopkins Fire Station.
City Manager Mornson discussed the September 13 City Council Work Session agenda.
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The Hopkins Center for the Arts will be on the October 11 Work Session agenda. Council
should direct questions to Assistant City Manager Lenz.
Staff met with the residents in the 2017 street reconstruction neighborhood at the Fire
Station.
Council and staff will have a tour of current projects and possible development opportunities
on Tuesday, October 18, 4:30 pm.
City Manager Mornson gave an update on the Hopkins Hockey Association meeting. The
Council will be updated at the October 11 Work Session.
City Manager Mornson gave an overview of the 2017 meeting schedule.
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 9:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk