IV.1. Minutes of the January 13, 2017 City Council Goal Setting Session ProceedingsCity of Hopkins Goal Setting 2017
January 13, 2017
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Attendance:
City Staff: Planning and Development Director Kersten Elverum, Finance Director Christine Harkess,
Police Chief Brent Johnson, Recreation Director Dave Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ari Lenz, City
Manager Mike Mornson, Fire Chief Dale Specken and Public Works Director Steve Stadler
City Council Members: Katy Campbell, Molly Cummings, Jason Gadd, Kristi Halverson, Aaron
Kuznia
Mayor Cummings welcomed everyone as the Department Heads and Council Members will have the
opportunity to spend time together making a plan for 2017. Mayor Cummings commented on the
importance that staff and Council are moving forward and on the same page.
City Manager Mornson gave an overview of the day’s agenda, session goals and expectations. Mr.
Mornson commented on the importance of relationship building and the opportunity to review who we
are as a culture. Mr. Mornson discussed the professional articles included in the Goal Setting packet
that provide a different perspective and creativity to look at issues.
What did we accomplish in 2016?:
Staff and Council Members listed off accomplishments of 2016. Mr. Mornson reviewed
accomplishments from five years ago commenting that is good to realize all the great things staff and
Council is doing in Hopkins.
(See attached)
Strength Finder Summary:
Assistant City Manager Lenz gave an overview of the Strength Finders Profile and discussed the four
common themes and personal strengths shared by staff and Council. Ms. Lenz commented that staff
and Council could look to those with other talents and strengths in order to accomplish task and solve
problems. Ms. Lenz explained that it is good to have different strengths; it creates balance in an
organization.
Department Updates: opportunities and challenges
Steve Stadler - Public Works
Accomplishments:
• The Park Reinvestment Plan has given city parks a funding source and a new priority for
improvement.
• Burnes Park improvements have had good public outreach and input along with a challenging
budget.
• A successful 2016 street project and the upcoming 2017 street project has already attracted
interest from contractors. The bid openings for Park Valley are on January 20.
• Improvements and upgrades to the water treatment plant and water tanks.
Opportunities:
• The Blake Road project has had an engaged public input process and the preliminary layout
has been approved. A Blake Road Community Advisory Committee will be established to
guide design on the corridor improvements. Utility improvements and right of way acquisitions
are next steps in the process.
City of Hopkins Goal Setting 2017
January 13, 2017
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• Artery on 8th Ave is in the process of final design review. There are a lot of components and
maintenance issues to review due to the unique design.
• Community solar gardens are near completion and the City will be able to begin to take
advantage of cost savings through Excel Energy later in 2017.
• The new Public Works Field Supervisor position will provide oversight and dedicated support
for field crews. Public works strives to be more efficient especially with all the new projects
requiring more maintenance.
Christine Harkess - Finance Department
Accomplishments
• The online employee portal and time keeping program is operational increasing payroll
efficiency.
• Residents are taking advantage of the online utility billing system.
• Staff has worked hard to balance the 2017 budget.
Opportunities
• A complete and great finance team has been hired.
• New finance software upgrades are complete but the department is continuing to finalize
details.
• There are continued funding challenges for the CIP and ERP funds. Staff is working with other
department staff and the financial advisor to meet future challenges.
• Finance Director Harkess is retiring on June 30, 2017.
Dale Specken - Fire Department
Accomplishments
• Full time duty crew.
• Home visit program.
• Fire Department has increased inspections to a one-year cycle. In 2017 the Fire Department
anticipates inspecting the entire city. The full-time duty crew assists with the inspection
process and snow emergencies.
Opportunities
• Recruitment and retention efforts are a challenge. The department is looking at developing a
long term strategic plan including evaluating the Duty Crew and Fire Marshall positions.
• Review of the Emergency Operations Plan.
• Long term strategic plan to train current command staff to mentor upcoming staff.
• Mental health and environmental safety training program and precautions needed for Fire
Fighters because PTSD, lung and skin cancer are health issues concerns for Fire Fighters.
• Overview of the 2016 fire call statistics.
• There was discussion about the future of Fire Departments including combining resources to
share costs and personnel.
Dave Johnson - Hopkins-Minnetonka Recreation Services
Accomplishments
• Adaptive Recreation was brought in-house and has proved to be a positive change with
improved customer service and cost savings.
• Rolling Thunder program offers track and field opportunities for those with disabilities.
City of Hopkins Goal Setting 2017
January 13, 2017
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• Increased programming partnerships with fourteen organizations.
• Dedicated aquatics program
Opportunities
• Increased youth special events: Kids Fest program will be on January 22 at Minnetonka Civic
Center.
• Improvements to Shady Oak Beach.
• Expansion of Cottageville Park programming.
Ari Lenz - Community Services
Accomplishments
• Staff reorganization at the Arts Center but not fully staffed to date.
• Inspections Department had the largest year ever in 2016 and is anticipating a busy 2017.
There was a change-over of two department positions.
• Hired key staff including a new full-time Communications Coordinator.
Opportunities
• Compensation and Pay Equity Study will impact all full-time employees. Job descriptions and
classifications will be updated. The goal is to have it completed before the 2018 budget
process.
Brent Johnson - Police Department
Acc omplishments
• Police Department Strategic Plan; what the department is currently doing and what should be
revamped.
• Restructured Police Department staff positions that should benefit the community through
social interactions, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Training opportunities in the area of mental health and crisis situations.
Opportunities
• Addition of an Officer to increase staffing levels that will improve service and officer safety.
• Expanded Police Reserve program.
• Race & Equity Initiative including involvement in community events and continued relationship
building with schools and the faith community.
Kersten Elverum - Planning & Economic Development
Accomplishments
• Mainstreet “Keeping it Real” committee was rewarding, effective, relationship building and fun.
• SWLRT has been a staff intensive process to balance costs and projects.
• Mainstreet Façade Program has been beneficial to Mainstreet. Staff is working on ways to
establish funding to continue the program.
Opportunities
• Cold storage site will require a thoughtful development process.
• Comprehensive Plan development process.
• Looking at creative uses and strengthening of Mainstreet opportunities to the west.
City of Hopkins Goal Setting 2017
January 13, 2017
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Group Exercises
Assistant City Manager Lenz and Recreation Director Johnson gave an overview of the role playing
exercise called “The Party Game” an improvisational exercise that helps with decision making.
Review of Page One of Goals (Whole Group)
Review of Back Page of Goals (Small Groups)
The staff and Council Members reviewed the City of Hopkins Mission, Vision, Goals and Action
Steps. See the attached changes as determined by majority of the group.
Review 2016 Opportunities
Mr. Mornson reviewed the 2016 Opportunities. Staff and Council discussed the reason and value of
listing opportunities. Mr. Mornson commented that the list was originally used internally to ensure that
staff and Council are on the same page. Staff and Council broke off into groups to discuss 2017
opportunities and things that make the City of Hopkins unique.
The “Game Changers” build on the reputation and unique opportunities in Hopkins that relate to the
2017 environment including being leaders in law enforcement and using the 8th Avenue Artery as an
iconic marketing tool. There was discussion about organizational change, development, transitioning
staff and engagement of new employees.
The “Secret Sauce” is what makes Hopkins in a unique position. We need to look internal at a
progressive leadership, collaborations, smart staff, risk taking opportunities, a new idea generation,
community relationships as well as the existing built environment. We need to look at the community
and analyze needs to see what we can capitalize on in 2017.
Hopkins has developed a “recipe of success” and other communities strive to find out the how it was
accomplished. Staff needs to continue to use the “recipe” to make the most impact in our community.
There was discussion about the need to continue this conversation about future opportunities and
how to communicate this to new employees on how to make a difference in the community.
Hot Topics for 2017
The staff and Council Members discussed the Hot Topics for 2017:
SWLRT: Affordable housing goals have been adopted by other cities and the City of Hopkins will be
pushed in that direction. Staff and Council will need to be comfortable and further discussion will be
needed. There was discussion about the Federal funding commitment and staff commented that
there is no indication of funding concerns and the project should be moving forward. Ms. Elverum
gave an update on the art committee and future funding.
Racial Equity: There was discussion regarding staff training, engagement of diverse communities
and development of stronger relationships. The Police Department continues to reach out to various
apartment complexes and would be available to assist with distribution of the Comprehensive Plan
survey.
125 years of the City: There was discussion about recognizing 125 years on the City website and
Mainstreet banners.
City of Hopkins Goal Setting 2017
January 13, 2017
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Artery Project: There was discussion about assuring the unique elements along the Artery are well
built and able to be maintained. The grand opening and ribbon cutting would possibly be scheduled
for fall. Staff will discuss the possibility for a construction shut down during the Raspberry Festival or
options to move scheduled Elks events to an alternative location.
Other Topics
City Manager Mornson thanked Finance Director Christine Harkess and Recreation Director Dave
Johnson for their service to the City of Hopkins as they look ahead to retirement in 2017.
Mayor Cummings commented that she is excited about 2017 and on the importance of continued
communication to build a strong and respectful staff and Council with a shared vision to make
Hopkins the best it can be.
Other Business:
The staff and Council commented:
• Staff appreciates Council support of department initiatives, the opportunity to hire the best staff
and to do their jobs and run their departments the best way possible.
• The Goal Setting meeting sets a tone for the upcoming year and a chance for face-to-face
communication between staff and Council.
• The meeting reinforces that change is positive and that staff is working very hard for the City.
• The meeting reminds everyone about all the things that have been accomplished, that a future
plan is in place and reinforces the good staff and Council relationship.
• Staff and Council enjoy the annual planning process and reinforcement that staff and Council
does an amazing job and will continue to do what is best for the City.
• Staff appreciates the trust and support of the Council as well as the chance to share input.
• The Goal Setting meeting is a valuable session that assures alignment between staff and
Council that will continue to make the City successful. It is a chance for staff and Council to get
to know each other in an informal setting.
• The meeting gives staff and council a chance to work as a team.
• Staff appreciates the approachable Council.
City Manager Mornson thanked everyone and commented that he appreciate what everyone does for
the City of Hopkins.
Goal Setting Meeting was adjourned at 3:36 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Vold
City of Hopkins Goal Setting Meeting
January 13, 2017
What Did We Accomplish in 2016
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1. Successful Street Construction
2. Big equipment purchases
3. Oxford Village broke ground
4. Cops N’ Kids shopping in Hopkins
5. Completion of Utility Rate Study
6. Built relationships with entire community
7. E-Poll books for first time
8. Funding for two new Police Department positions
9. Strategic Plan on 21st century policing recommendations
10. Updated the Financial Management Plan
11. Land swap with St. Louis Park and Minnetonka
12. Shady Oak Road open
13. Emergency Management tabletop
14. Water tower rehabilitation
15. Oakes and Valley Park upgrade
16. Mainstreet Façade Program
17. New Assistant City Manager
18. Record year in Inspections
19. Expanded Oakes Park programming
20. Net profits at Shady Oak Beach
21. Engaged hundreds of residents at Race & Equity event
22. New Park Board members
23. Water Treatment Plant upgrades
24. Enhanced audio in the Council Chambers
25. New Police Chief
26. Continued decrease in crime
27. New Finance software
28. The Moline
29. Arts Center debt reduction
30. Unique businesses on Mainstreet
31. Three full-time Fire Fighters
32. Final go ahead on SWLRT
33. Cottageville Park Pavilion
34. Electronic payroll
35. Expanded aquatics program
36. In-house adaptive recreation program
37. Recruited and hired great employees
38. Online utility billing
39. Public Works rehabilitation
40. More engaged civic organizations
41. New Police, Fire, and Public Works radios
42. Successful Santa for Seniors
43. Think Hopkins commercial
44. Blake Corridor redevelopment scenarios
45. First Coffee with a Cop
46. Second Finance Department reorganization
City of Hopkins Goal Setting Meeting
January 13, 2017
What Did We Accomplish in 2016
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47. Summer Youth program
48. Employee engagement group
49. Successful Finance Department hire
50. Increased training standards
51. Four successful bond sales
52. Pollinator Safe City
53. Grant for History Center structural report
54. Maintained AA+ bond rating
55. Park Nicollet home and senior visits
56. More policy involvement in regional planning
57. Navigated through Legionnaires crisis
58. Cooling tower registry program
59. Depot ended year in the black
60. Reservation policy for Cottageville Park
61. Increase in youth soccer participation
62. Reorganization at the Arts Center
63. Two new Public Works positions
64. Added Little Libraries to parks
65. Life Saving Awards
66. Call for artists for the Artery
67. Street Cafes
68. GFOA Awards (2)
69. Restructure of Police Department
70. Mayor appointed to NLC Committee
71. Hopkins History Center new Executive Director
72. Merchandising expert helping Mainstreet businesses
73. Force science training
74. County funding for Blake Road
75. Dow Towers state grant for plumbing
76. Ground work for joint zoning with Minnetonka
77. Expanded Summerfest
78. Expanded Holiday in Hopkins
79. Open to Business & NDC
80. Moved Nachos to Mainstreet
81. Launched Comprehensive Plan engagement
82. “Buzz” about Hopkins from other communities
83. Tour de Trash
MISSION
Inspire. Educate. Involve. Communicate.
VISION � Creating a spirit of community where... � a
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Business growth
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GOALS Preserve the Home
Town Feel of Hopkins
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� G--r�ate a ir�ese vibrant
business community
Promote and enhance city
events
Provide accessible � friendly�
city services ���y u � n��,���
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Embrace and strengthen
partnerships
People enjoy'�a�ble� �j
government services,
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Urban Design: °" '�ake It
Do It Right To Them
Improve walking and biking
infrastructure in the city
Practice environmental
responsibility 70('!?1��j�'
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Enga in lightrairtransit �
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orienzed development
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Involve diverse
populations
Engage the rental
community of
Hopkins
Inspire community
and citizen
engagement
Preserve the Home
Town Feel of Hopkins
5[rengchen image ofar[s
wmmunity
Promote shopping local
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Eievelep wayfinding plan for
communiry
Urban Design:
Do It Right
Implement the sidewalk and trail
master plan and parmer with o�her
agencies to improve and update
paths, trails and crossings in the
community, supporting "Comple�e
Streets" ini[iacives
Explore local transportacion
opportunities
� Work with "Think Hopkins" on ore pedestria ike
business recruitment effores overlay, rs ike friendly aty
designaci , d explore bike share
� Promoce city events large and opp unicies
small (Raspberry Festival,
Mainsaeet Days, Old Fashioned �j— Promot nual s and
Holiday, �.,�-i�-�'r�c-?erx, etc.)5°''���� aaivities pport wellness in
and have a city booth at even[s our � y
when possible
C�improve� service delivery
[hrough e-commerce
Promoce interactive park,
trails, and facilities directory on
website
Centinae-eo grow parmerships
wi�h:
� Join[ Recrea�ion with
Minnetonka
>- Hennepin County
�� Hopkins School Discricc
��� Watershed Districts
- Met Council
�- Three Rivers Park Dis[rict
_� Surroundingcities
�> Faith and community-based
organizacions
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Develop a schedule for rezoning
properties to the mixed-use
zoning classification and begin
implementation
Take It
To Them
�� Promote cultural
celebra[ions
��: 5cplore methods to involve
Mul[icultural Advisory
Commii[ee in wmmunity
building
�'�See� t diversity on boards
and commissions
Intentionally engage rental
wmmunities
Imp enc a pr am to
provide information to
n renters
Encouragevolunieerb � '
and expand volunceer
opporiuni[ies
ngage res
��conduc[iaad community
�-- Partner with Hennepin Counry and meenngs ac alternanve
SWLRT cities �o ma�cimize benef� locations
and r�cc-oi `sddticTi—mx ��j,q� �. Conduct resen[a 'ons with
Ih,n�n�i2E' Cf�S��pt,G✓1 G��'xJ�'
�� Work wi�h Minnetonka and Cc,l'�5� differen� g u throughout
�� Hennepin Counry [o implemenc �}�I�Q �he comm on cirygoals
.ji5�� 'stfategies for the Shady Oak LRT and ini �[ives wel I as
Station SWL
�� Work with all stakeholders
to implement and build on
recommendations of[he Blake
Road Corridor plans
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� ���_�xplore and promo�e
� sus�ainability�gra�-aR�
� inieia�ives in ourcommuniry
�� Refine Mainstree� design and
� 4 fa4ade improvement program and
secure�funding
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= Cros -depar�me oration in
] l� design o blic spaces
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�-�� Educaceehecommunity
in che area ofemergency
preparedness
6cpandYe wRibbon
opportu tie to businesses
�- Identifyoppottunitiesto
engageaTt'fir�togrtize youth,
-T businesses,`fiaich-based
� organizations and s�Chools
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Mission Statement
• Inspire
• Educate
• Involve
• Communicate
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