IV.2. Minutes of the September 13, 2016 Work Session ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 6:56 p.m. in the Meeting Room at Hopkins Fire
Department, 101 17th Avenue South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Member Campbell, Gadd, Halverson
and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance Director Harkess
and Public Works Director Stadler.
UTILITY RATE ANALYSIS
In addition to City staff, a representative present for the item was, Stacie Kvilvang of Ehlers Inc.
Ms. Kvilvang gave an overview of 2016 water and sewer rates, water usage patterns and
proposed water usage tiers. The tiers would balance usage revenue and usages by user type so
one type of user is not subsidizing another type of user. Ms. Kvilvang discussed the Water and
Sewer Capital Improvement Plan, proposed 2017 water and sewer rates and the Water and Sewer
Fund cash balances. Ms. Kvilvang showed examples of current and proposed utility bills for an
average residential and commercial customer as well as utility bills for the Council Members.
Ms. Kvilvang explained that the City should increase utility rates to reflect actual usage and
assist in paying for projects and operations of the system. Ms. Kvilvang’s recommendation for
the Water Fund is to implement a flat fee/rate to pay for base needs of the system, implement a
tiered usage system and annually increase rates to keep up with capital needs of the system. Ms.
Kvilvang recommended that the City adopt a 2016 increase for the Sewer Fund and annually
increase rates to keep up with MCES increases and capital needs of the system. She also
recommended that the utility rate study be updated every couple of years.
There was discussion of water usage and impact to high users. Ms. Kvilvang commented that the
high users would feel an impact. Ehlers, Inc. did a report on the impact to the highest commercial
user and can do the same for any commercial properties of concern. Ms. Harkess commented
that the last rate increase was in January 2015 and that operating costs and capital needs are
driving the rate increases. Council commented on the importance of educating the public.
Council would like to review the top 5 users and impact to them. Staff will gather the
information and update the Council. The Council consensus was to proceed with the new rate
structure.
2017 GENERAL FUND BUDGET
Finance Director Harkess gave an overview of the preliminary 2017 General Fund Budget and
levy. The average home market value has increased to $233,000. The proposed budget would
impact the average home by $107.
There was much discussion about educating the public about market value and taxes. Ms.
Harkess asked the Council what number they would like to target and explained that Council can
set the preliminary levy and it can be reduced but not increased from that number. Council asked
about the percentage of homes at the medium valued amount. Staff will investigate and update
the Council and will also get data on how the increase would affect the Council Members homes.
Council consensus was to proceed with the preliminary levy with efforts to decrease the amount
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
and find savings.
UPDATES
Council Member Gadd discussed the Metro Cities Transportation Committee concerns
regarding SWLRT funding, certificates of participation and impacts to communities.
City Manager Mornson commented about the good meeting for staff and Council regarding
the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. Questions should be directed to the City Manager or
Fire Chief Specken.
City Manager Mornson asked that Council review the 2017 meeting schedule that is
scheduled to be adopted at the October City Council meeting.
The East-end City of Hopkins sign has been relocated.
Staff will be meeting with the Hennepin County Health Inspection Department on October 4.
City Manager Mornson will be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Board Retreat and a
conference.
Interviews for City Hall staff positions will be scheduled soon.
Police Chief Reynolds has submitted his resignation with his last day on October 14. Chief
Reynolds will be recognized at the October 4 City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Gadd,
second by Campbell, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk