04-26-2016
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
April 26, 2016
A regular meeting of the Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission was held on Tuesday, April
26, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Commission Members Scott Kerssen, Brian Hunke, Gary Newhouse, Emily
Wallace-Jackson and James Warden. Absent were Commissioners Matt McNeil and Mike Tait.
Also present was City Planner Jason Lindahl.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kerssen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ADOPT AGENDA
Commissioner James Warden moved, Commissioner Brian Hunke seconded, to adopt the
agenda. The motion was approved unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Gary Newhouse moved, Commissioner Emily Wallace-Jackson seconded, to
approve the minutes of the March 29, 2016, regular meeting. The motion was approved
unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM: Request by Japs Olson Company for Preliminary and Final Plat Approvals
(2016-10-SUBD)
City Planner Jason Lindahl explained that the Japs Olson Company, located at 7630 Excelsior
Boulevard, requested subdivision approval to combine and plat their existing properties into one
parcel. While the subject property is located in St. Louis Park, part of this process will dedicate
a portion of the abutting Powell Road to the City of Hopkins. As a result, the City of Hopkins
must approve the plats. Should the City of Hopkins approve the subdivision request, the abutting
portion of Powell Road will be dedicated to Hopkins. Staff finds the proposed preliminary and
final plats in conformance with the City’s subdivision standards and recommends the City
approve this request.
Commissioner Warden asked about how future street maintenance and assessments would work
with this property. Mr. Lindahl stated that the City Engineer had reviewed and approved the
plats and recommends accepting dedication of Powell Road, but did not specifically comment
about the questions of future maintenance or assessments. Staff will obtain this information
from the City Engineer and advise the Commission.
Chairperson Kerssen opened the public hearing on this item at 6:38 p.m. No one came forward
to comment. Commissioner Emily Wallace-Jackson moved, Commissioner Newhouse seconded,
to close the public hearing. The hearing was closed at 6:39 p.m.
Minutes of the Planning & Zoning Commission, April 26, 2016 – Page 2
Commissioner Newhouse moved, Commissioner Hunke seconded, to adopt Resolution 2016-10,
recommending the City Council approve the preliminary and final plats of Japs Olson Addition
and accept dedication by easement of the abutting portion of Powell Road. The motion was
approved unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During the announcements, City Planner Lindahl updated the Planning and Zoning Commission
on the following items.
1. Planning & Zoning Commission By-Laws Update. The City will consider updates to this
document prior to the July Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
2. 2016 Hopkins Farmers Market. The City Council recently approved this contract and is
working with the applicant to add a second Farmers Market along the Blake Road
corridor.
3. Administrative Subdivision Ordinance Amendment. The City Council approved this
item at the April 5 meeting.
4. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. Staff continues to work on the public engagement
plan for the Comprehensive Plan and should have a short survey to send out to the public
in the summer.
5. Shady Oak Station Area Development Strategy. Last month the City Council accepted
this document and directed staff to begin work on drafting the zoning regulations with the
City of Minnetonka. The Planning Commission will work on this over the summer.
6. Election of Officers. Staff advised the Commission that they would need to elect a Chair
and Vice Chair during the May meeting.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Newhouse moved, Commissioner Hunke seconded, to adjourn the meeting. The
motion was approved unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Smith