08-15-2017 Work Session after City Council Meeting HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION FOLLOWING REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 15, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
1010 1st St. S., Hopkins. Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council
Members Campbell, Gadd, Halverson and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City
Manager Mornson, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Planning and Economic
Development Elverum and Finance Director Bishop.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Director of Planning and Development Elverum provided an update on the bid opening
for the Southwest LRT project. Discussion ensued regarding the bidding of the project.
Ms. Elverum and City Clerk Domeier provided an update on the opening of the new
Nachos location.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT UPDATE
2018 General Fund Budget Update
Finance Director Bishop distributed a memo to the City Council. He provided changes
proposed to the general fund budget as outlined in the memo.
Council Member Campbell questioned the reduction in fire fighters. Mr. Bishop explained
that currently there are 34 and the goal is to have 37. The budget would be reviewed
again if staffing changes were needed. Council Member Campbell also questioned the
fire inspection revenues. Mr. Bishop will get more information about the projected
revenue from Fire Chief Specken.
Council Member Gadd questioned the change to the Class and Comp Study. City
Manager Mornson stated he was concerned about lowering the budget but noted there
were opportunities to put other initiatives on hold if needed. Mr. Mornson also talked
about the minor equipment proposed. He further explained the hiring of an additional
inspection employee if the 2018 projects warrant the position.
Council Members Halverson and Kuznia commended staff for the proposed adjustments
to the budget.
Mayor Cummings questioned if the debt included Blake Road. Discussion ensued
regarding the future funding for Blake Road and the option of doing a bond yet this year.
Mr. Mornson explained the process for bonding the projects and talked about the debt
issuance. Mayor Cummings questioned the City's financing for the Southwest LRT. Mr.
Mornson and Council Member Gadd provided an estimate for the City's portion of the
project.
Mayor Cummings stated to remain mindful of all the upcoming projects and budgeting
impacts. City Manager Mornson stated there has been a lot of projects going on and to
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION FOLLOWING REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 15, 2017
be ready to plan for 2019, 2020 and 2021. If Council wants to slow down in the future,
now is the time to let staff know. Council Member Campbell requested more information
going forward on what budget impacts are to do projects. Mr. Mornson also provided
information on the budgeting for future park projects. Council Member Gadd stated the
debt has been incurred based upon the vision of the Council. The projects were long
term goals and the projects add to the tax base. He requested that the FMP show a 5 or
10 year projection. Mr. Bishop will bring the information to the City Council at a future
work session. Mr. Mornson suggested going out 5 years with the plan.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATES
Council Member Campbell stated that a drinking fountain is plugged at Cottageville Park.
Public Works staff will follow-up on the issue.
Council Member Gadd shared information about the August 15 HBCA Small Business
Forum with Keith Ellison.
Council Member Halverson questioned a recent police chase. City Manager Mornson
provided information on incident. Further discussion ensued regarding recent police
activity.
Mayor Cummings talked about recent events she attended including the opening at the
Capitol, a cultural event at St. Louis Park, and the HBCA event with Keith Ellison. She
added that the Regional Council of Mayor Executive Committee met yesterday.
CITY MANAGER UPDATES
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates: Staff is completing an application
for Best MN Town featured in Minnesota Monthly magazine; and the discussion topics for
upcoming work sessions.
AJDOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by,
Campbell, second by Kuznia, the meeting unanimously adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
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Molly Cllummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk