IV.3. Minutes of the September 19, 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 19, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 7:24 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, Director
of Planning and Development Elverum and Public Works Director Stadler.
Public Works
In addition to City staff, a representative from Geronimo Energy was present for the
item. Public Works Director Stadler gave an overview of the Community Solar Garden
program. Mr. Stadler commented that the City should begin seeing savings on electrical
costs once the gardens are completed and functioning. Mr. Stadler commented that
Geronimo Energy has a couple of solar gardens available and would cover the demand.
Mr. Stadler discussed the terms of the agreement.
The Geronimo Energy representative commented that they have been in business 12
years and have 2 gardens in the metro area for potential subscribers to fill the void of
kilowatt-hours. Subscribers should see energy bill credits in early 2018.
Mr. Stadler commented that the City Attorney would review the Subscription Agreement
and that the agreement would be brought back to Council at the first meeting in
October.
Mayor Cummings asked about other cities that have subscribed with Geronimo Energy,
the 25-year contract period and availability to residential customers. The Geronimo
Energy representative commented that 10% of metro cities were subscribed when they
bought the gardens and that they are currently talking with other Hennepin County
communities. The contract period begins once the gardens are operating and the City
begins to see bill credits. Geronimo Energy only serves commercial customers.
Mr. Stadler will keep the Council updated.
Community Development
In addition to City staff, a representative present for the item was Mr. James Wisker,
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). Planning and Economic Development
Director Elverum gave an update on the Cold Storage site. Ms. Elverum discussed the
vision for the site and recommendations from the Blake Road LRT Station Area
Development report. The City of Hopkins and Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD) staffs have been meeting to begin the Request For Qualification (RFQ)
process. Ms. Elverum discussed zoning and the need for flexibility in regards to the
unique site. Staff is recommending a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and that the
recommendations of the report are in line with staff. Ms. Elverum commented that the
site would qualify for a TIF redevelopment site. The goal is to demolish the building to
get developer interest and complete the road project. The MCWD is applying for the
Hennepin County grant to assist with the costs for demolition of the building. Ms.
Elverum gave an overview of the community’s and City of Hopkins vision for the Cold
Storage site at 325 Blake Road. Ms. Elverum commented that Council input should be
directed to staff.
City Manager Mornson asked who would issue the RFQ. Ms. Elverum commented that
the RFQ would be issued by the MCWD. Mayor Cummings asked about the timing of
the grant and demolition costs. Ms. Elverum commented that the MCWD staff should
find out about the grant in a couple of months and that the demolition could cost three
million dollars. Ms. Elverum discussed the RFQ, developer selection criteria and
importance for the developer to understand the goals for the site. Ms. Elverum
commented that there already is developer interest in the site.
Mr. James Wisker, MCWD, thanked the City Council and staff for the ongoing
partnership and commented that MCWD is excited to take the next steps with the Cold
Storage site. Mr. Wisker commented that the Cold Storage tenant would be out by the
end of the year. There was discussion about the timing of the demolition. Mr. Wisker
commented that part of the building could be demolished prior to the road construction.
Ms. Elverum gave an update on the Excelsior Crossings Campus. The broker is
negotiating a lease for one of the buildings and the other building would house multiple
tenants. Ms. Elverum commented that the new tenants would be an opportunity to
create new partnerships.
Ms. Elverum discussed the City of Minnetonka Ring property. Ms. Elverum discussed
that the City of Hopkins has taken no position on the redevelopment of the property
since it is located within the City of Minnetonka. Ms. Elverum would attend the
Minnetonka City Council meeting.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell discussed the Farmers Market Council booth, the next
Highway 169 meeting and asked about the September 12 Work Session minutes.
City Manager Mornson commented that the minutes will be on the October 3 City
Council agenda.
Discussion of the Class and Comp study.
Council Member Campbell commented that Pam Hove, Recycling Coordinator,
wrote a good response about organic recycling on the Nextdoor social networking
site.
Council discussion about the Comprehensive Plan meeting.
Council Member Halverson shared a report on Hopkins apartment building rents.
Council Member Kuznia commented that a No Access street sign has been left up at
Meadowbrook and Excelsior Blvd. Staff will follow up.
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Council Member Halverson commented that a street barricade was left up on 9
Avenue following an event. Staff will follow up.
Council Member Kuznia may not be able to attend the next Comprehensive Plan
meeting.
There was discussion about the Farmers Market Council booth.
Mayor Cummings discussed the naming of the Park Valley playground. Mayor
Cummings would follow up with the resident about the history of the park.
Mayor Cummings shared housing information from the Regional Council of Mayors
meeting.
Mayor Cummings discussed the Regional Council of Mayors. Regional mayors from
approximately 55 cities meet one time per month. The nonpartisan group focuses on
building relationships, networking and learning from speakers on various issues.
Mayor Cummings is on the Executive Committee and will be attending a meeting in
Bemidji and has accepted a scholarship to attend the ULI fall conference.
Council Member Campbell discussed possible dates for an informal social gathering
for the Council Members.
Council Member Kuznia commented on a Blake school bus that has been parking in
the Interlachen neighborhood. Council Member Kuznia would monitor the situation.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
Assistant City Manager Lenz will be returning to work October 2.
Discussion of the October 3 and October 10 City Council agendas.
Discussion of the Highway 169 ribbon-cutting event.
Overview of information from the League of Minnesota Cities retreat
Discussion of the Goal Setting meeting and agenda scheduled for Friday, January
12, 2018.
Blake School would issue a conduit bond. The city would receive a fee.
Staff will contact Blake School to schedule a City Council tour of the campus.
There will be gas line testing and water main work that would require water shut off
from 9 am-2 pm for 3 days.
Chief Johnson will be recognized as the “40 under 40” award winner at a November
City Council meeting.
Discussion of the CAP meeting.
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 9:09 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk