IV.2. Minutes of the May 2, 2017 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 7:16 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 and Public Works
Director Stadler.
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Community Development
Planning and Development Director Elverum gave an update on the Cold Storage site.
Ms. Elverum explained that the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) would be
going forward with a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) inspection report and Request For
Quotation (RFQ) for developers in 2017. Ms. Elverum discussed the statement that
includes the City of Hopkins and the community’s vision, goals and expectations for the
Cold Storage site. The vision includes transit-oriented development, net housing density
of 30-90 units per acre, an open design accessible to everybody and an inclusive
neighborhood with at least 20% affordable housing units. The vision includes a creative
approach to design and sustainability. Ms. Elverum discussed the zoning district and
commented that the City would consider a Planned Unit Development on the site. Ms.
Elverum discussed the options of public vs. private streets and community request for
designated community space.
There was Council discussion regarding owner-occupied townhomes mixed with
apartments, preservation of creek views, community space viability and mix of incomes
and unit sizes. Ms. Elverum commented that the community space could be paid with
TIF but facility management would need to be explored further. Council asked about the
TIF criteria. Ms. Elverum explained the TIF criteria, analysis and timeframe to vacate
and demo the site. There was Council discussion regarding acreage for the creek clean
up and if there would be one master developer or multiple developers. Ms. Elverum
commented that most likely the storm water treatment would be along the creek and
that the master developer would have a knowledge of the process due to the complexity
of the site. Public Works Director Stadler commented that shared public parking on the
site would be used for Cottageville Park and the community creek launch.
Ms. Elverum explained that the vision was a blend of community input, the ULI study
and City staff recommendations. The Vision would be submitted with the Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District’s RFQ. Council consensus was to continue to review the
vision for the site and direct questions and comments to City staff.
Hopkins Pavilion
City Manager Mornson gave an update on the meeting with Hopkins Youth Hockey
Association (HYHA) and Anchor Bank representatives to answer Council questions.
Mr. Mornson discussed the loan and overview of the conditions in the staff report. Mr.
Mornson commented that the City Attorney is reviewing the lease and that the Hopkins
School District has approved $1 million for construction in addition to leasing the
upstairs Pavilion space. Mr. Mornson discussed the next steps in the process including
presenting the lease, authorizing the contract for design, bid opening and the
construction timetable. There was discussion regarding HYHA revenue, loan payment,
the City credit rating and ice time. Mr. Mornson explained that the HYHA gambling
leases are month to month but that Anchor Bank is comfortable with the gambling
revenues. Public Works Director Stadler explained that the loan would be two separate
bank notes and that City would only be tied to the $600,000 loan. The loan would not
have an impact on the City’s bond rating. Assistant City Manager Lenz commented that
the loan is a one time capital expense not for operating deficit. Mr. Mornson commented
that HYHA’s attitude is to pay down the loan as quickly as possible. Mr. Stadler
commented that the Pavilion brings in $286,000 in ice rental revenue and that other
communities rent any available ice time.
Staff commented that it was a productive meeting and that the needed improvements
would provide park users with a better facility and community space. Council
commented that the meeting answered their questions. Staff commented that they were
comfortable to move forward with the process and that the Pavilion plan would be on
the Council agenda for further review on June 6 and in July.
Public Works
Public Works Director gave an update on the Bulk Drop Off Day. The document
shredding was popular and 300 plus vehicles were counted.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell commented on the success of the Citizen Academy
Alumni Event.
There was discussion about bottled water at city events. Staff explained sanitary
reasons for use of bottled water.
Council Member Gadd commented that the SWLRT Quarterly Management
Committee meeting was cancelled. There was discussion of Federal transit funding
and that area Mayors are encouraged to write letters regarding the importance of
mass transit.
Council Member Gadd will be attending the May Day concert, Let’s Talk About Race
event and HBCA breakfast meeting.
Council Member Gadd discussed a Hopkins resident’s concern about the Shady
Oak development. Council Member Gadd explained how cities make decisions and
that the property is located in the City of Minnetonka.
There was discussion about the May 16 and June 6 recognitions at the City Council
meetings.
Council Member Halverson commented that Sergeant Glassberg did a great job as
Police spokesperson.
There was discussion of traffic issues in South Hopkins.
Council Member Kuznia commented that a resident would like to install a Little
Library in Interlachen Park. Council Member Kuznia asked the resident to consult
with Public Works Director Stadler.
Council Member Kuznia will attend the MCWD Freshwater meeting on Thursday.
Mayor Cummings commented on the fun Escape Room event with Council and staff.
Mayor Cummings attended the meeting with Hennepin County Commissioner
Callison regarding organic recycling and recycling rates.
Mayor Cummings attended the MinnRoast event on Friday. Mayor Cummings
commented on the support for the City of Hopkins by attendees.
Mayor Cummings may attend the MCWD Freshwater meeting.
Overview of the Saturday May Day events.
There was discussion of an email from a resident regarding concern about the safety
of wildlife on Smetana Road. Staff will respond to the concerns.
Mayor Cummings was asked to be on the Regional Council of Mayors Executive
Committee.
Mayor Cummings will attend the Civic Group meeting on Wednesday.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
The Judge approved the Charter Commission members and a meeting would be
scheduled for this summer.
Citizen Academy survey results would be sent to those attended the event.
The Star Tribune asked for a comment regarding Edina’s vote to raise the tobacco
age to 21. Mr. Mornson commented that the City of Hopkins would stay with State
Law.
There was discussion regarding the Star Tribune and Kare 11 reporting of the recall
effort.
2017 budget discussion
New Finance Director Nick Bishop will officially begin May 30. Mr. Bishop will be in
attendance at the May 16 City Council meeting.
Assistant City Manager Lenz provided the following updates:
Discussion of new website standards and upgrades.
Discussion of no radio promotion of the Jefferson Starship concert due to a pending
lawsuit. Council will continue to promote the fundraising concert to area non-profits.
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 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk