IV.2. Minutes of the September 5, 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, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 7:36 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.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell discussed a request for same topic, one-on-one
meetings with the Council Members. Mr. Mornson commented that the City Attorney
has advised that the one-on-one meetings could be in violation of the open meeting
law. Community Development staff will update the Council on affordable housing at
the October Work Session and that housing will be discussed at the Regional
Council of Mayors meeting.
Council Member Gadd commented that there would be no Corridor Management
Committee meeting in September.
Council Member Gadd commented that Hopkins JCI would be donating three Little
Libraries at the October 17 City Council meeting.
Three Council Members would be attending the Procedural Justice Workshop on
Thursday, September 7.
Mayor Cummings received a resident inquiry regarding a Hopkins flag. The City of
Hopkins flag is displayed in the Council Chambers.
Council discussed who would be able to attend the Park Valley neighborhood picnic.
City Manager Mornson’s employee review to be scheduled for October 10.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
City Staff would be meeting with the Hopkins Historical Society Board regarding the
options, feasibility and cost estimate to renovate the Masonic Lodge building.
Council discussed funding, cost breakdowns, ADA standards and responsibilities of
the building owner. There was discussion about the thoroughness of the renovations
and how much is really needed for the Historical Society to operate and then
phasing of the completion. City Manager Mornson commented on the restrictive
covenants to resell the building and that the City Attorney would need to review the
documents. Mayor Cummings commented on the importance of the amenity and
preservation of Hopkins history but expressed concern about the minimal
membership growth and future funding of the operations. Mayor Cummings
commented on the unknowns and large risk of the project and whether there is
enough interest or demand to have the Historical Society move at the high projected
costs. Council Member Gadd commented that the move would be a long-term
improvement and that the Activity Center would be limited in their ability to expand
their program. There was discussion about grant funding and other uses for the
building. Council commented that City Staff already has a heavy workload and that
staff and Council could discuss other possible public uses for the building. City
Manager Mornson commented that the City bought the building and the Historical
Society was to fund the renovations. There was discussion about other cities that
financially support their historical societies. Council commented that there is a need
to quantify the costs of the building, utilities and grounds maintenance. There was
discussion about leasing the space to generate revenue and the tax-exempt status.
Staff will keep the Council updated.
Overview of the 2018 City Council meeting schedule.
The Highway 169 ribbon cutting is scheduled for Friday, September 22, 10 a.m.-12
p.m.
Discussion of Best Minnesota Town voting.
Charter Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 28.
The City Hall building will be undergoing an assessment.
The Arts Center is renegotiating the lease with the Hopkins School District for
community education space.
Hopkins Westwind Concert Band will be on the City Council agenda for October 17.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, seconded by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk