IV.2. Minutes of the November 1, 2016 Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Cummings x City Manager Mornson
x Council Member Kuznia x Asst. City Manager Lenz
x Council Member Halverson x Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Gadd
x Council Member Campbell
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler gave an update on the Burnes Park redevelopment public
information meeting. Mr. Stadler commented that Zion Lutheran Church supports the park
project and staff will continue to work with the church regarding Sunday morning parking. Mr.
Stadler commented that a Park Ridge resident gave some feedback regarding the project and staff
will communicate with the resident. Hopkins resident, Judy Johnson called Mr. Stadler
regarding development of pickleball courts at Burnes Park. There was Council discussion
regarding the usage of the courts. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the project timetable and next
phase. The next public meeting is tentatively scheduled for December 15 to discuss the design
development. The construction documents will be on the City Council agenda in late December
or January. There was discussion regarding the play safety surface. Staff is continuing to
evaluate play surfaces and costs. Mayor Cummings asked about the disruption to the park during
construction and a secondary market for the used play equipment. Mr. Stadler commented that
the construction will be phased and that he will check with the contractor regarding reuse of the
play equipment.
Mr. Stadler commented that there would be a public meeting on November 10 regarding the
redevelopment of Hilltop and Maetzold Parks. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the park updates.
Before and after photos of the redevelopment to Hopkins Parks will be ready for the State of the
City event.
Mayor Cummings commented that the City of Hopkins is proud of our parks.
Administration
Assistant City Manager Lenz presented an overview of the pros and cons regarding bee colonies
within the city. Ms. Lenz commented that bee keeping is currently not permitted. Ms. Lenz
explained that the pros include health and economic benefits, healthier bees, educational
opportunities and establishment of bee keeping regulations. The cons include potential stings,
allergic reactions, small Hopkins yards for the placement of a bee colony, potential nuisance,
improperly maintained hives and swarming. Ms. Lenz commented that there has not been a
demand for bee keeping in the City. Staff is recommending that due to our dense community that
the city not allow bee keeping at this time. Ms. Lenz explained that an alternative would be to
license bee keeping in certain zoning districts or on commercial rooftops.
Mayor Cummings commented on the good information and that it is important to be proactive.
Council discussed possible options for hive locations, limited number of bee colonies, inspection
requirement, neighborhood notification and yearly application fees. Ms. Lenz researched other
community’s ordinances and commented that a pollinator friendly ordinance has a more positive
effect on bee colonies by increasing plantings.
At this time staff will not go any further with bee keeping regulations.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell gave an update on the Highway 169 Mobility meeting regarding
bus routes, transit stops and HOV lane study.
Council Member Gadd will be attending the SWLRT Corridor Management Committee
meeting on Wednesday and will update the Council.
Council Member Kuznia commented that a resident suggested that the Wetterling Foundation
present a program at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Mayor Cummings and City Manager Mornson met with members of the Hopkins School
District and area city managers and mayors.
Mayor Cummings judged an anti-bullying poster contest.
Mayor Cummings commented that the annual meeting of the Hopkins Historical Society was
well attended. The Historical Society would like to set up a tour of the Albert Pike Lodge for
the City Council.
Mayor Cummings met with metro cities regarding housing along the SWLRT.
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The “Is White Privilege Real or Imagined?” discussion on October 24 was well attended.
Mayor Cummings attended the SCIP meeting. The school district received a grant to examine
gaps in resources in Hopkins and Minnetonka.
The Hopkins Civic groups are meeting on Thursday morning.
Hennepin Theatre Trust will be offering Hopkins Center for the Arts guidance regarding
financial needs.
Mayor Cummings discussed the upcoming National League of Cities Conference.
There was Council discussion regarding how the Hopkins City Council would handle a
difficult racial issue if a situation occurred in the city. The City Manager and Mayor will be
meeting with Chief Johnson to discuss the issue and staff will update the Council.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson commented that the Hopkins Historical Society received a grant to
conduct a feasibility study.
The City Employee Recognition event is Wednesday at 11:30 am.
Notices to twenty-two commercial properties were sent out regarding the increase in sewer
and water rates.
Staff and Council are invited to attend a speaker regarding leadership on December 15.
The Hopkins Fire Department will conduct a training exercise on Thursday, November 3 at
the vacant duplexes near Cottageville Park. The duplexes will be demolished by the end of
November.
Mr. Mornson commented that the SWLRT OMF site plan will be on the December City
Council agenda.
Two new businesses are opening on Mainstreet.
Community Development interns will be presenting a store front improvement report to the
City Council.
There will be an amendment to the development agreement with Doran Properties.
The Hopkins Police will issue a press release regarding dog poisonings in the Avenues
neighborhood.
There was discussion regarding the hit and run incident.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, seconded by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk