IV.1. Minutes of the September 12, 2017 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 6:30 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,
Planning and Development Director Elverum, City Planner Lindahl and Public Works
Director Stadler.
HOPKINS PAVILION PROJECT UPDATE
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Jason Raverty,
Stevens Engineers and Tom Betti, 292 Design Group. Public Works Director Stadler
gave an overview of the Hopkins Pavilion improvement project and discussed the
project schedule and funding. Construction is scheduled for February to September
2018. Mr. Betti discussed the site and building design plan. Mr. Betti explained that the
Pavilion offices would be moved for more visibility and the plan includes a larger lobby
and new toilet rooms. The plan also includes a new refrigeration plant, concrete floor,
30% larger team rooms and a Zamboni room that has access to the outdoor rink. The
new warming house has a door system that allows the warming house to be used
independently of the Pavilion. Mr. Betti explained that the plan looked at ways to
minimize cost impacts, multiple room use options, durable building materials and energy
efficiency and security upgrades.
There was discussion about the additional square footage, landscaping, parking and
exterior finishes. Mr. Betti explained that the addition would add approximately 8016
square feet, additional landscaping would depend on costs, no general parking spots
are lost and that the exterior materials are low maintenance with the addition of glass to
make the Pavilion safer and more inviting.
Mayor Cummings asked about input from HYHA, second floor improvements and the
design firm’s experience. Mr. Stadler commented that staff will keep HYHA and the
Hopkins School District updated and there is no second floor improvements included in
the plan. Mr. Betti commented that 292 Design team is experienced with community-
based arenas and has done a lot of renovations, additions and remodels since 2008.
Mr. Stadler commented that staff is very aware of the project budget and the plan is to
work the project schedule around use of the Pavilion.
PAWNSHOPS, CURRENCY EXCHANGES
City Planner Lindahl discussed the background of the pawnshop moratorium, options
for relocation of the pawnshop, zoning districts and licensing standards. The Planning &
Zoning Commission recommended removing pawnshops from the B-2 districts. Mr.
Lindahl explained the public input and City Council review process. Mr. Lindahl
explained the revisions and additions to the standards for the conditional use of
pawnshops, payday loan, currency exchange and coin dealers in B-3 and B-4 districts.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2017
Mr. Lindahl reviewed the zoning map and discussed the recommendation to allow
pawnshops as a conditional use in the B-3 and B-4 zoning districts next to higher
capacity roadways.
There was Council discussion about the pawnshop’s current location, feedback from the
businesses, window guidelines and limitation on number of pawnshops in Hopkins. Mr.
Lindahl commented that nonconforming businesses are grandfathered until the
business moves. Staff will contact the pawnshop prior to the public hearing. Mr. Lindahl
commented that the language in the zoning regulations is not uncommon language for
community standards. Planning and Development Director Elverum commented that
some cities do not allow pawnshops and discussed the standards of neighboring Metro
area cities.
Council commented that due the size of the Hopkins community they would like to limit
the number of pawnshops. Staff will add language to the regulations for Council to
consider.
SIGN ORDINANCE UPDATE DISCUSSION
City Planner Lindahl commented that the existing sign regulations were last updated in
2005 and gave an overview of the existing sign ordinance and current regulations. Mr.
Lindahl discussed the legal issues and commented that the City Attorney has reviewed
the ordinance. Mr. Lindahl reviewed the sign issues for the Council to consider and
commented that the ordinance would create more specific standards. Mr. Lindahl gave
an overview of sign types and characteristics. The Planning & Zoning Commission
discussed the types of signs that Hopkins should consider for a consistent and uniform
standard.
There was discussion about changeable electronic signs, standards for sign size, types
and setbacks. Ms. Elverum discussed the challenge to enforce signage and
maintenance standards commenting that costs to businesses as well as differences of
opinions when aesthetics are involved. Staff has been working with businesses to meet
standards as buildings transition.
Staff will continue to update the sign ordinance and bring it back to Council for further
discussion.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Ms. Elverum updated the Council on the Luther dealership properties, storage of
dealership vehicles and concern about the loss of parking due to the SWLRT. There
was discussion about the use of the Luther property (former EDCO site) for vehicle
parking as an interim use during SWLRT construction. Staff is looking at a permanent
solution for the former EDCO site including possible development and shared parking
that would require rezoning with a PUD. Ms. Elverum discussed the limitations of the
Luther property located at 499 Mainstreet. The EDCO property is 9 acres and 499
Mainstreet is approximately 3.5 acres.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2017
There was discussion of the Minnesota Monthly Best Town voting and social media
campaign to spread the word about the contest.
UPDATES
Council Member Halverson commented that a resident inquired about a work site
accident at The Moline.
Council Member Campbell discussed the Procedural Justice meeting.
Council Member Kuznia commented that the Interlachen neighborhood garage sale
parking restrictions were effective.
Mayor Cummings attended the Park Valley picnic and received positive comments.
There was discussion about the SWLRT bids.
The Regional Council of Mayors meeting discussed affordable housing. Information
will be shared with the Council Members.
Mayor Cummings discussed the tribute to the Wayzata police officer.
Comp Plan meeting is on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.
There was discussion about City Manager Mornson’s employee evaluation. Council
is requesting feedback from Department Heads.
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
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The traffic signal at 8 and Main will be replaced with a 4-way stop for 2 weeks.
Council has been invited to attend a party at The Moline.
Discussion of the Highway 169 ribbon cutting event.
Discussion of the upcoming City Council agenda items.
City Manager Mornson will be attending the League of Minnesota Cities retreat
Police Chief Johnson will update the Council at the October 3 Work Session.
The SWLRT staff will be touring The Moline.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, second by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk