IV.3. Minutes of the February 13, 2018 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 13, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a Work Session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall,
st
1010 1 St. S., Hopkins, Minnesota.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Members Campbell, Gadd,
Halverson and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson,
Assistant City Manager Lenz, Executive Director Anderson, Director of Planning and
Economic Development Elverum, Community Development Coordinator Beekman,
Finance Director Bishop and City Clerk Domeier.
CREATIVE MN REPORT
Lynn Anderson, Executive Director at the Hopkins Center for the Arts and Sheila Smith,
Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts provided a presentation on the
quality of life and economic impact that Hopkins nonprofit arts and cultural organizations
play in the community.
The City Council found great value in the data provided. The presentation materials will
be forwarded to the City Council.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DISCUSSION
Director of Planning and Economic Development Elverum and Community Development
Coordinator Beekman provided a recap of the discussions and a summary of staff
recommendations on affordable housing policies/initiatives.
Discussion topics reviewed by staff included: Increased notice for lease for non-renewal
without cause; advanced sale notification; non-discrimination against Section 8
recipients; inclusionary housing; no rent increases for 90 days; education of landlords
(and public) about Section 8 program; meetings with apartment owners; continue to
meet with Regional Housing Preservation Work Group; advocating for rental rehab loan
program; and addressing affordable housing in the Comprehensive Plan Update.
Council Member Kuznia commented that advance sale notification and inclusionary
housing could be handled now. He expressed interest in moving forward with some
policies in a regional effort. Discussion was held regarding the no rent for 90 days
initiative in St. Louis Park. Council Member Gadd shared concerns about the no rent
increases for 90 days wondering what the impact would be to renters.
Council Member Campbell appreciates the effort staff has made to make sure all
viewpoints are being represented. Council Member Gadd stated staff should get
perspective from landlords. He requested additional information on how the
preservation finders are funded and standards for renters going forward.
Council Member Kuznia stated interest in the outcome of the Minneapolis Section 8
non-discrimination case.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 13, 2018
Council Member Halverson questioned if HAMA has been engaged. Ms. Beekman
provided a recap of different meetings where HAMA was at the table. She noted that
HAMA usually has apartment managers attending versus apartment owners.
Mayor Cummings questioned the types of housing that create the 65% rental in
Hopkins. Staff will provide more information on the breakdown of rental housing at a
future meeting. Discussion was held regarding the makeup of the Regional Housing
Preservation Work Group. Mayor Cummings suggested reaching out to and partnering
with the business community.
Ms. Elverum stated the timetable moving forward includes an Inclusionary Housing
Policy as well as language around the notification of sale that would be embedded into
projects going forward that have City assistance. Single family housing including land
trusts will be discussed at a future meeting. Discussion ensued regarding the inclusion
of affordable housing language in the comprehensive plan. Staff requested any
feedback on the proposed recommendations for moving forward. Direction included for
staff to meet with the owners and landlords of the rental property, collaborate with
surrounding cities on initiatives, creating new policies and a potential opt out clause for
developer projects.
AMENDMENTS TO SPECIAL EVENT POLICY
City Clerk Domeier summarized amendments to the Legislative Policy 5-D and
requested feedback on the proposed changes. Council Member Campbell suggested
that outdoor music also have a stipulation for a start time. Council Member Halverson
requested that staff clarify the time that the artery can be closed before an event starts.
Ms. Domeier will work with other staff members to create new language for both
requests.
OTHER
Director of Planning and Economic Development Elverum shared that staff will be
moving forward with text amendments to the auto related uses. She also provided an
update on the process for the Cold Storage RFP.
Mayor Cummings shared information about recent and upcoming meetings and events.
Council Member Campbell commented on the comprehensive plan meetings and the
Hopkins 365 project.
City Manager Mornson provided the following updates:
Pickle ball courts are out for bid
Council participation in the Farmers Market
Historical Society information
Meeting with Chad Weinstein after February 20 meeting
Hopkins Academy – received over 50 applications
Commissioner Recruitment
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 13, 2018
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a Motion by
Campbell, Second by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk