12-20-2016 Work Session after City Council MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was held on
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 7:53 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010 First
Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Members Kuznia, Halverson, Gadd
and Campbell attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Planning and
Development Director Elverum, Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Planner Lindahl, City
Attorney Riggs and Public Works Director Stadler.
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the Pavilion project. Staff will update the Council at the
January 10`h Work Session.
Public Works Director Stadler gave an update on the Burnes Park improvements public
meeting. Mr. Stadler commented that pickleball was lobbying for inclusion in the project but the
Park Board is considering designating $300,000 in 2018 for dedicated pickleball courts in a to
be determined location. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the site plan, new facility and upgrades
to the existing warming house. Mr. Stadler discussed the alternatives to the project that have
increased the project budget from $1.3 million to $1.6 million. The Park Board discussed the
project and would like to go forward with the $1.6 proposed project. The Burnes Park final
design is scheduled to be on the January 3 City Council meeting agenda. City Manager
Mornson discussed the amount of the 2017 bonding. Council would like to discuss bonding for
city projects at a future Work Session. The City Attorney explained public bo�ding and timing.
Mayor Cummings asked about project costs. Mr. Stadler commented that the scope of the
project would be for the $1.6 million and the design agreement would include a breakdown of
costs and the alternatives. Council Member Campbell asked about the eyewash station in the
utility room. Mr. Stadler explained that it is required by code. Council Member Kuznia asked
about lockers. Mr. Stadler commented that lockers had not been discussed as part of the
project. Mayor Cummings asked about the playground surface. Mr. Stadler commented that the
majority of the surface is engineered wood fiber with a pour in place surface in the toddler area.
There was discussion about the snow emergency procedure and public notification. Mr. Stadler
commented that staff would consider issuing two warnings prior to the snow emergency.
Council Member Kuznia commented that the snow emergency was well publicized. Assistant
City Manager Lenz commented that 30°/a of those registered for CodeRED need to update
contact information. CodeRED information can be found on the city website.
There was discussion on snow plowing. Mayor Cummings commented that Public Works did a
nice job plowing. Council Member Gadd asked about the downtown core clean up. Mr. Stadler
commented that Public Works does two days of clean up after the initial snowfall.
Mayor Cummings asked about sidewalks and the complete streets policy. Mr. Stadler
commented that staff takes into consideration all types of travel during projects. Resident input
and staff evaluation determines sidewalk placement.
Community Development
Planning and Development Director Elverum and City Planner Lindahl discussed a zoning code
violation by the Walser and Luther car dealerships regarding parking of vehicles off site. Ms.
Elverum commented that a complaint prompted the zoning code violation investigation. Mr.
Lindahl discussed the uses of the properties, zoning standards, strategies and options. Mr.
Lindahl commented that the options could include not changing the code, amending the
licensing and zoning code to be more restrictive and to enforce the code violation.
Council Member Campbell asked about the use of the Luther building on the north side of
Mainstreet. Ms. Elverum commented that it operates as a call center and auto detailing.
The City Attorney discussed options for off-site parking and what other cities allow.
Currently Walser is one-year into a 3-year lease for off-site parking of vehicles.
Council Member Kuznia asked about the enforcement process. Ms. Elverum commented that
the businesses would be told to move the vehicles. The City Attorney discussed the options to
enforce or cite the violators. Mr. Riggs commented that the violation could be civil or criminal
but typically is a civil case.
There was Council discussion about the positive aspects of the dealerships in Hopkins and
maintaining relationships with the businesses. Staff has been in conversation with the
businesses regarding the situation and a reasonable timeframe but has not been able to resolve
the situation.
Council Member Gadd asked about licensing compliance and parking of vehicles. Mr. Lindahl
commented that the license states that the storage of vehicles is ailowed at the sale location
only. The City Attorney discussed the definition of off-site parking and commented that the
businesses are not in conformance with the zoning code.
Ms. Elverum discussed the possibility of Luther locating a specialty dealership on the Mainstreet
site and if the City would want that. Ms. Elverum commented that the dealerships bring
customers to the city but the property is also a possible redevelopment site.
City Manager Mornson commented that staff would discuss the situation with Luther further and
wait to see the feedback received from Walser regarding the enforcement letter. Council will
continue to evaluate the situation and contact staff with questions.
Ms. Elverum updated the Council regarding the Public Art Committee. Request for proposals
have been sent and there has been a good response from artists. Ms. Elverum discussed the
appointment of inembers to Art Committee.
There was discussion regarding the SWLRT Operations and Maintenance Facility public
hearing. The Project office responded to Stewart Co. regarding the environmental review.
City Council:
• Council Member Gadd discussed the Hopkins JCI project to place scarves on trees and at
bus stops for those who need an item of warmth. The scarves are tagged with information
about the program and marketed through social media. There was discussion regarding the
need to limit locations and timeframe. JCI can contact city staff to inform public about the
project.
. Mayor Cummings thanked City Manager Mornson for scheduling the speaker on leadership.
• The Santa for Senior gift delivery was held on Saturday, December 17.
• The Hopkins Historical Society has hired a new Executive Director.
• Mayor Cummings commented on an inclusive conversation initiative organizational meeting
on January 28, 10 a.m.
• Mayor Cummings was appointed to the National League of Cities Human Development
Committee.
• Dementia Friendly Community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 530 p.m.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
. Hopkins staff presented information about race re�ationships and law enforcement at a State
of MN meeting.
• Mary Raabe is retiring from the Historical Society Board and will be recognized at the
January 3 City Council meeting.
• Edco will be recognized at the January 17 City Council meeting.
. Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison will be presenting at the January 17 City
Council meeting.
• New City Council speaker request form and guidelines are now available.
• Update on the State of City event.
• City Manager vacation dates.
Assistant City Manager Lenz commented that the City has joined Next Door to disseminate
more information to residents and that the Historical Society would like to place a pop up display
cabinet at City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Gadd,
seconded by Campbell, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
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Molly Cu mings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk