IV.2. Minutes of the January 3, 2017 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting ProceedingsMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 7:54 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
and City Attorney Riggs.
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Community Development
City Manager Mornson discussed the Walser and Luther zoning violations. Appliance
Smart inquired when the parked vehicles would be moved. The letter to Walser required
that cars be moved by February 1. Mayor Cummings addressed concerns regarding the
zoning violation and how the City addresses issues with businesses. Mayor Cummings
commented that she would have liked more discussion with staff and time to think
through the issue prior to staff sending the violation letter. Mayor Cummings stressed
the importance of maintaining healthy relationships between the City and Hopkins
businesses. Planning and Development Director Elverum commented that staff did try
to reach out to Walser and staff is looking for solutions and direction regarding the
Luther violation. Council Member Campbell commented that she would have liked the
opportunity to provide feedback prior to the violation letter and that the City needs to
address the Luther code violation. Council Member Gadd commented that the situation
was handled appropriately and that codes need to be enforced. Council Member
Halverson commented that staff needed to take the appropriate steps to enforce the
violation and that the City needs to enforce the code violation with Luther. Council
Member Kuznia commented that staff needs to enforce the code and that Luther needs
to conform to the ordinance. Ms. Elverum commented that staff usually does not bring
code compliance issues before Council and it is helpful to staff to know where the
Council stands. Mayor Cummings commented that the Council does not need or want to
see all staff dealings and wants to maintain a healthy staff and Council relationship.
City Manager Mornson commented that the businesses offer a lot of value to Hopkins
and staff wanted to make the Council aware of the violations of the zoning ordinance
and the actions of the staff.
City Attorney Riggs commented that staff evaluated the situation carefully and that it is
important to enforce the code and treat the businesses the same.
City Council:
Council Member Gadd commented that Mayor Cummings would represent Hopkins
at the CMC meeting on Wednesday.
Discussion about the Federal Transit Administration approval for SWLRT to enter
the engineering phase.
The Southbound Highway 169 ramp at Highway 394 will be closed during
construction to alleviate traffic.
The Mainstreet Bar and Grill liquor compliance violation was overturned.
Council Member Kuznia commented that the Cub Scouts would like to make a
presentation at the January 17 Council meeting as part of badge requirements.
Council Member Kuznia commented on a resident concern regarding heavy police
presence in the Avenue neighborhood.
Mayor Cummings attended the swearing in of County Commissioner Jan Callison.
Administration
:
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
Discussion regarding a letter from a Hopkins resident.
Letters were sent to the highest commercial water users regarding the rate
increases.
Update regarding Hopkins news articles.
There will not be a Citizen Academy event in 2017 but staff is working on a Citizen
Academy Alumni event for April.
Staff is working on an employee citizen academy due to the many new hires in City
departments.
Update on the upcoming Council Work Session agenda items.
The Goal Setting meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 13.
Finance Director Harkess is retiring on June 30.
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 8:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk