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IV.3. Minutes of the December 13, 2016 City Council Work Session ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 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, December 13, 2016 at 6:30 pm. 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, City Clerk Domeier, Planning and Development Director Elverum, Finance Director Harkess and Assistant City Manager Lenz. BLAKE SCHOOL CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Jim Dayton, James Dayton Design, Paul Udris, U & B, Jeremy Collatz, U & B, Julie Crawford, Mortenson Construction, Dan Kelley, CFOO, Blake School and Lisa Uhler, Blake School. Planning and Development Director Elverum explained that Blake School representatives would present an overview of a phased master plan for construction on the Hopkins campus. Mr. Kelley and Ms. Crawford gave an overview of the Blake School construction plan on the Hopkins campus including building enhancements, ice rink upgrades, ADA and safety improvements. Mr. Dayton explained the ice arena enhancements and renovation plan is scheduled for March 2017-November 2017. Mr. Dayton commented that the improvements would be within the existing footprint and would preserve the character of the building. Mr. Udris explained the campus renewal projects scheduled for fall 2017- summer 2018. The goals of the projects are to upgrade the campus spaces, reduce traffic congestion, increase accessibility and safety. Ms. Crawford explained that as the contractor she is the point of contact throughout the construction process. Planning and Development Director Elverum asked about the bus circulation. Mr. Udris explained that the renewal project of the bus and car circulation would relieve congestion and safety issues. Council Member Halverson asked about location of the buses. Mr. Kelley explained that the buses would be located in an area to minimize noise f or the residential area. Ms. Uhler explained that the current entrance would be for bus traffic only and closed off to cars therefore less traffic adjacent to the neighborhood. Council Member Halverson would like to know the distance from the ice arena to the bus parking area. Blake staff will update the Council. Council Member Gadd asked about construction staging and Blake School enrollment projections. Ms. Crawford explained that the construction staging and deliveries would be handled on site as close as possible to each project. Mr. Kelley explained that the enrollment is stable with no plans to add additional students. Council Member Kuznia asked about watershed issues. Ms. Crawford explained that the Watershed District has reviewed the plans. Mayor Cummings asked about the homes that Blake School owns on Harrison Avenue. Mr. Kelley commented that Blake School owns six homes and one lot; 3 homes are rented to school staff and one is used as a daycare for staff children. Council Member Halverson asked about the empty lot on Harrison Avenue. Mr. Kelley explained that Blake Schools has no specific plans for the empty lot on Harrison Avenue at this time. Planning and Development Director Elverum commented that staff would continue to discuss with school officials regarding productive use for the properties. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2016 Mayor Cummings commented on the importance of communication regarding the project. A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for January regarding the ice arena project. Ms. Crawford commented that notices would be sent out to approximately 400 addresses. Council Member Halverson commented that Van Buren Avenue should be included in the notices. Planning and Development Director Elverum commented that the Conditional Use Permit would be on the Council agenda in February. Mayor Cummings commented that the Council would appreciate notice of the public meetings and a tour of the enhanced campus. Mayor Cummings invited the Blake School officials to the State of the City event. City Manager Mornson asked about the ice arena rental. Ms. Uhler commented that the public can rent ice time and that the improvements should enhance the ability to sell ice time. PROPOSED CHANGES TO LICENSE AND PERMIT FEES City Clerk Domeier and Finance Director Harkess discussed the staff report and explained the proposed license and permit fee changes that would be effective January 2017. Ms. Domeier explained that the fees better reflect actual costs and are comparable to other cities. Council Member Campbell asked about data requests. The staff explained some documents are available in electronic format or can be reviewed at City Hall. The Council consensus was to approve the amended fees at the December 20 City Council meeting. Assistant City Manager Lenz commented that the Inspections Department would present a department update and proposed fee changes at the February Council Work Session. Finance Director Harkess gave an update on the new tier water rate notifications. UPDATES  Council Member Campbell discussed the need for guidelines for Airbnb short-term rentals in Hopkins.  Council Member Halverson received a complaint about snow that needs to be cleared along 14th Avenue and the trail crossing.  Mayor Cummings discussed sanctuary cities and promotion of racial equity in the community.  Mayor Cummings attended the Regional Mayors meeting. There was discussion about autonomous vehicles and the need to factor the vehicles into future comprehensive plan revisions, development and parking projects. Mayor Cummings suggested an autonomous vehicle demonstration at a local celebration.  Mayor Cummings discussed reviewing the rules and expectations of public comment at Council meetings and have them posted at City Hall and on the website. Staff is currently reviewing the guidelines.  City Manager Mornson discussed staff reorganization in the Police Department.  City Manager Mornson discussed the Leadership Experience Workshop and Ehlers Seminar.  Leadership Training for staff on Thursday, December 15, 8:45-10:30 am. Council is invited to attend.  Santa for Seniors on Saturday December 17. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS DECEMBER 13, 2016  Police and Fire Department Banquets are in February.  City Manager Mornson gave an update on the Goal Setting Meeting on January 13.  City Manager Mornson discussed the State of the City event.  Assistant City Manager Lenz gave an update on a data request regarding the legionnaire’s investigation.  Vehicles that have not moved since the last snow event will be towed. Staff attempted to contact owners first. th  There was discussion about the 125 Anniversary of the City. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Campbell, second by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Vold ATTEST: ___________________________ ____________________________ Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk