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IV.3. Minutes of the April 11, 2016 City Council Work Session Proceedings HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS APRIL 11, 2017 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:31 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,Finance Director Harkess,Assistant City Manager Lenz, Pavilion Manager Olson, Public Works Director Stadler and City Engineer Stanley. OVERVIEW OF THE 2017 ASSESSMENTS; MUNNEKE In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Ashlei Munneke, Hennepin County Residential Appraiser, Lisa Olmen, Hennepin County Commercial Appraiser and Braden Johnson, Hennepin County Residential Appraiser. Ms. Munneke discussed the residential market values and home sales. Hopkins overall value change for the 2017 assessment was a 5% increase. Ms. Munneke discussed the adjustments for the different types of properties.There were 320 home sales compared to 297 sales the previous year and foreclosures remained the same as last year. There was discussion regarding the peak foreclosure and prices of the housing market. Ms. Munneke explained that the peak of foreclosures was in 2011-12 and the home market peaked in 2007 with the average Hopkins home valued at $233,000. The average market value in2016 for a Hopkins home was $223,000. Staff will get the number of Hopkins foreclosures in comparison to neighboring cities and update the Council.Ms. Munneke commented that there is a general shortage of medium value homes for sale and that Hopkins home sales received 98% of their asking price with an average 51 days on the market. Ms. Munneke explained the inspection and notification process for residential appraisals. Ms. Munneke has received 15 phone calls regarding the 2017 assessments and 5 of the calls were value related. The Open Book Meeting is promoted on the valuation notifications, in the Hopkins Highlights and Hopkins Connections. The 2017 Hopkins Open Book Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 5-7 pm at Hopkins City Hall. Ms. Olmen, Commercial Appraiser, commented that there was minimal growth of 3-5% for commercial and industrial properties and that the apartment market continues to be robust with decreasing vacancies and increasing rent. Ms. Olmen gave an overview of the total market evaluation for apartments, commercial and industrial properties. Finance Director Harkess explained the bond sale process. Council Member Kuznia asked about calls from commercial property owners. Ms. Olmen commented that she received 2 calls and would be available to address questions at the Open Book Meeting. BLAKE ROAD PROJECT UPDATE In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Tony Heppelman, Bob Slipka and Nick Hentges of WSB & Associates, the project engineering consultant. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS APRIL 11, 2017 City Engineer Stanley gave an overview of the Blake Road Corridor improvements. Mr. Stanley commented that the discussion would focus on streetscape and right way acquisition. Mr. Stanley gave an overview of the study recommendations and public engagement process. Mr. Slipka discussed the visual quality elements of the streetscape including plantings, shade trees, multipurpose trail, underground power lines and lighting. Mr. Slipka commented that the design and maintenance issues have been discussed with City staff. There was discussion about the roadway lighting, pedestrian ornamental lighting and flashing beacon pedestrian crossing signals. Mr. Stanley commented that intersection lighting would be used in high traffic areas for increased visibility. Mr. Slipka reviewed the gateway elements, monuments, ornamental lighting and site furnishings. Mayor Cummings asked about creative bike racks and interesting amenities along the corridor. Mr. Slipka commented that they could explore different creative options to match the style of the amenities. Council Member Campbell asked about pedestrian crossings. Mr. Slipka commented that there are no midblock crossings proposed and that low plantings would be used along the roadway to keep site lines clear. The goal was to create safe, attractive comfortable pedestrian environment along Blake Road. Mr. Hentges discussed right-of-way and easement acquisition. Mr. Hentges gave an overview of the storm water, drainage, trail, signage and utility easements. There was discussion that the trail improvements would not impact the Blake School monument but there would no longer be parking along Blake Road but the school has proposed parking improvements to address event parking. Council Member Halverson asked about the proposed relocation of the bike trail under Blake Road. Mr. Stanley commented there is no construction schedule from the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project office at this time. Staff will keep the Council updated on the construction timing. Mr. Hentges discussed the takeover parcel due to trail location. Mr. Heppelman gave explanation of the takeover process and easement acquisition schedule. The construction phasing includes doing the east half of the roadway first. There was discussion about the Cold Storage site demolition schedule. Mr. Stanley commented that staff met with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the goal is to demolish the building in 2018 and they are working on an agreement to formalize timelines. Mr. Stanley discussed the CenterPointe Energy utility improvements and plans to reroute sanitary sewer in 2017 that would be coordinated with the rebuilding of the Met Council line. The construction would take approximately one month with some Blake Road lane restrictions. Staff will keep the Council updated. There was discussion about the bike tunnel if SWLRT is not completed. Mr. Stanley commented the bike trail would remain as it is currently. Council Member Gadd thanked staff for the public engagement process and all the work on the project. Mr. Stanley thanked WSB & Associates for their contribution to the project. Mayor Cummings commented on the importance of communication with the public. HOPKINS PAVILION PROJECT Public Works Director Stadler and Pavilion Manager Olson gave an overview of the proposed Pavilion improvements and funding. Mr. Stadler commented that the current refrigeration system and flooring has developed new leaks and the goal is to have a HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS APRIL 11, 2017 new system in place for 2018-19 ice season. Staff is seeking direction from the Council regarding the project scope. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the proposed improvements and project cost of $5.7 million. Mr. Stadler discussed the funding including the Capitol Improvement Plan (CIP) Tax Abatement Bonds, Hopkins Youth Hockey Association (HYHA) loan, Hopkins School District contribution, park improvement fund and the Mighty Ducks Grant. Mr. Stadler discussed the Park Board’s goals for Central Park including improving the winter ice experience, orienting the Pavilion towards the park and expanded facilities for the public. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the Central Park master plan and discussed options for the Hopkins School District (HSD) property to the north of the Pavilion. The HSD Special Education program would be leasing the Pavilion mezzanine area. There was much discussion about the HYHA $1 million loan that the City would have to guarantee for $600,000 of the loan. The consensus of the Council was that due to the level of risk for the City it is important to do due diligence, get all the facts, clarification of HYHA revenue, charitable gambling contracts and the viability of HYHA to pay off it’s debt. Council would like to see the project move forward but would like an opinion on the financial condition of HYHA. Mr. Olson will investigate the forecast for the Mighty Ducks Grant and update the Council. City Manager Mornson commented that staff would meet with the HSD, HYHA, Anchor Bank, Ehlers Inc. and the City Attorney. Mayor Cummings commented that it is important to begin the discussion, get questions answered and move forward thoughtfully, not quickly. Answers are needed before moving onto the next level. There was discussion of bonding for projects, cost estimate increases and that staff should be thinking how to manage cost overages. Council discussed the challenges of hockey programs. Mr. Olson explained how Associations are absorbed or merged and discussed the current ice rental arrangement with HYHA, the main Pavilion tenant in the winter. Mr. Stadler discussed the project schedule and timing of the design services agreement. The improvements are needed enhancements for the Pavilion to continue to serve the public. Mayor Cummings commented that Hopkins takes pride in the parks and amenities offered and thanked the Pavilion staff for doing a great job managing the facility. UPDATES  Council Member Campbell asked about having Cultivate Hopkins information at Sambusa King.  Council Member Campbell discussed the 169 Mobility Meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for May.  Council Member Kuznia registered for a Minnehaha Creek Watershed District learning session.  Mayor Cummings attended the Regional Council of Mayors meeting. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS APRIL 11, 2017  Mayor Cummings will participate in the MinnPost online newspaper fundraiser on April 28 at the State Theatre. City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:  Pizza Rev is closing and reopening as an Express Buffalo Wild Wings  A Star Tribune reporter is interested in doing an article on the Legislative Resolution on Local Control  Final interviews of four Finance Director candidates  Ehlers, Inc. and Finance Director Harkess will review the Financial Management th Plan at the June 20 City Council meeting  Discussion of bond funding  Discussion of the Hopkins Running of the Bulls event. The event organizer will update the Council at the April 18 City Council meeting. There was discussion regarding the billing for city services. 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 8:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Vold ATTEST: ___________________________ ____________________________ Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk