IV.1. Minutes of the March 20, 2018 Joint City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Proceedings
JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a Special Joint Work Session of the Hopkins
City Council and Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission was held on Tuesday, March
20, 2018 at 5:06 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at Hopkins City Hall, 1010 First Street
South, Hopkins.
Hopkins Council Present: Katie Campbell, Mayor Molly Cummings, Jason
Gadd, Kristi Halverson, Aaron Kuznia
Hopkins Planning & Zoning Commission Present:
Laura L. Daly, Libby Goeman, Brian Hunke, Emily
Wallace-Jackson, Matthew McNeil, James Warden
Hopkins Staff: City Manager Mike Mornson, Planning and
Development Director Kersten Elverum, Assistant City
Manager Ari Lenz, City Planner Jason Lindahl.
In addition, representatives present for the item were:
Haila Maze, Bolton & Menk, Mike Waltman, Bolton &
Menk, a representative from the Cunningham Group,
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee members
and interested residents.
Mayor Cummings welcomed everyone and thanked the committee and staff for all the
work that has gone into the draft of the Comprehensive Plan.
City Planner Lindahl gave an overview of the Comprehensive Plan and community
engagement process. Mr. Lindahl commented that the required six-month review period
would allow time for additional public comments.
Draft Goals & Policies
Ms. Haila Maze, Bolton & Menk, gave an overview of the Cultivate Hopkins draft
recommendations, the planning process and schedule. The joint meeting purpose is to
ensure that the draft goals are consistent with the City and elected officials.
Ms. Maze discussed the community engagement process and commented that there
was positive feedback from residents. Ms. Maze discussed the principles of
sustainability and resilience that were used as resources when developing the
Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Maze discussed the Comprehensive Plan approach and
framework that included being responsive to feedback, the brand, logo, changing
conditions, major trends and city goals as well as the required elements. Ms. Maze
reviewed the subparts of the plan, major issues and focus areas. Ms. Maze commented
that the Comprehensive Plan has been developed to allow for changes and adjustments
in order to acknowledge progress.
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JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018
The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee thanked the staff for creating the
Advisory Committee to be part of the overall process. There were positive comments
about the initial draft.
Council Member Campbell asked about the complete streets concept, autonomous
vehicles and sidewalks. Mr. Lindahl commented that Hopkins has a strong pedestrian
environment in place already but there are considerations of pedestrian safety and
strengthening physical connections. Council has the ability to look at areas individually
for infrastructure improvements. There was discussion about the need for clear
consistent markings and infrastructure maintenance for autonomous vehicles. Mayor
Cummings commented on the importance to balance city policy, being responsive to
residents, doing what is best for the City and how to address complete streets. Mr.
Waltman discussed the transportation goals, policy, considerations and exceptions of
the Complete Streets Policy. Mr. Lindahl commented that the Comprehensive Plan
looks at the larger picture, that the policies are in place to help the City Council with
decision-making and that is important to educate the public about the plan. Ms. Maze
commented that the plan gives parameters and ways to guide discussion.
There was discussion about affordable housing, legalities and strategies to address
concerns. Ms. Maze discussed the language in the plan.
There was discussion of parking requirements and ways to support downtown
businesses. The City has a good basis of development in place and it is important not to
lose the character of Hopkins. There was discussion of a shuttle circulator throughout
downtown. Mayor Cummings commented that a shuttle has been part of City Council
discussions.
Mayor Cummings asked about alternative funding for road reconstruction projects and
balancing water conservation and water rates. Mr. Waltman discussed funding options
and water conservation standards.
There was discussion about the age-wave trend and the effect on businesses and
housing stock.
Council consensus was that they liked the focus areas in the Comprehensive Plan and
thanked the committee for their input. Council discussed the importance of a
sustainable plan and how to inform the public.
Ms. Maze discussed the Metropolitan Council Comprehensive Plan process and review.
Mayor Cummings commented it is important to take the time to make sure the plan is
done right.
Mr. Lindahl discussed the new Arts and Cultural section of the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff will be taking a closer look at the best practices and how to create resources to
promote public art. Mr. Lindahl discussed the next steps in the process including the
implementation stage of the plan and how to measure progress. The Advisory
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JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018
Committee will meet again in April and May. The Council should contact staff with any
additional feedback about the Comprehensive Plan draft.
On behalf of the Council, Mayor Cummings thanked the staff and committee for their
time and commitment to the Comprehensive Plan process.
The Joint Work Session adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
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