IV.2. Minutes of the February 21, 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, February 21, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 7:21 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, Public Works
Director Stadler and City Engineer Stanley.
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Public Works
City Engineer Stanley gave an overview of the construction bid for the Artery project.
The low bid was 30% above expectation. Mr. Stanley discussed reasons for the high
construction bid including the nonstandard project elements, current bidding
environment, aggressive schedule, market conditions and contract requirements. Staff
did not schedule a pre-bid meeting with contractors that may have helped contractors
understand the special items included in the project. Mr. Stanley gave an overview of
the special feature estimates and bids. Mr. Stanley commented that the contractor might
have been unfamiliar with the specialty projects. Staff is researching costs, following up
with suppliers and determining which project items could be deleted and modified. Mr.
Stanley discussed project coordination, the development contract, grant funding
deadlines, project timing, rebidding and potential savings by deleting project items and
direct sourcing installation. Staff is also investigating other funding options. Staff is
meeting with the City Attorney to discuss legal considerations and to determine the best
strategy for moving forward. Staff will then meet with the contractor on Friday to discuss
the project costs and next steps.
Mayor Cummings commented that a pre-bid meeting with contractors might have been
beneficial. City Manager Mornson commented that staff should discuss the possible
financial impacts with Ehlers Inc. Council Member Campbell asked about the staff’s
comfort level with the contractor. Mr. Stanley commented that the contractor will be
doing other construction projects in Hopkins and has been responsive to staff. Staff
wants to maintain a good relationship with the contractor. Council Member Gadd
commented that he appreciates staff reevaluating the contract and options. Planning
and Development Director Elverum commented that staff maintains confidence in the
integrity of project. The unique project could be of value to the contractor for future
project reference. Staff will keep the Council updated.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell attended the public meeting regarding the Ring
Property development on Shady Oak Road. Walkability was a resident concern.
Council Member Campbell commented on the Highway 169 construction
accident.
There was discussion regarding Charter Commission member applicants. The
deadline for applications is Friday. City Manager Mornson will forward the
applications to the Council for review.
Council Member Gadd discussed the Metro Cities position on the light rail State
Legislation.
Council Member Kuznia commented on some confusion on the Nextdoor app
regarding the 2017 street improvement project.
Mayor Cummings attended the Level III Predatory Offender meeting. The
meeting was well attended and the presenters did a good job.
Mayor Cummings discussed the automobile repair business on the north side of
Mainstreet and 17th Avenue. City Manager Mornson commented that the
Inspections Department and Planning staff has worked with the business in the
past and staff will investigate further.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
Staff met with the SWLRT Project Office regarding pond relocation at the Shady
Oak Station site and further discussion is scheduled for Thursday. Staff will keep
the Council updated.
Update regarding registration of cooling systems legislation.
Retiring Recreation Director Dave Johnson will be recognized at the March 7 City
Council meeting.
City Attorney has reviewed the Council salary proposal. The City Attorney
recommends that the automatic salary review and increase component based
upon the Consumer Price Index should be a Council agenda item every two
years.
City Manager Mornson will be on vacation next week, address any questions or
concerns with Assistant City Manager Lenz.
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 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk