IV.4. Minutes of the April 10, 2018 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 10, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 6:31 p.m. 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, Finance
Director Bishop, City Clerk Domeier and Assistant City Manager Lenz.
OVERVIEW OF 2018 ASSESSMENTS
In addition to City staff, present for the item were representatives from Hennepin County
Ashlei Munneke, Hennepin County Residential Appraiser and Lisa Olmen, Hennepin
County Commercial Appraiser.
Ms. Munneke discussed the residential market values and home sales. Hopkins overall
residential value change was a 5% increase with the medium market value at $262,000.
Ms. Munneke discussed the value adjustments for the different types of properties. In
2017 there were 360 home sales and 17 foreclosures. In 2018, Condominiums will be
re-evaluated. Ms. Munneke commented that they received 25 phone calls regarding the
evaluations. Mayor Cummings asked about property owner concerns. Ms. Munneke
commented that seven properties requested further action and that Hopkins home
values are close to the pre-recession year of 2006.
Ms. Olmen discussed the breakdown of commercial and industrial valuations. There
were five commercial property sales and one industrial property sale. In 2017 apartment
properties were re-evaluated and in 2018 retail and restaurant properties are scheduled
for re-evaluation. Ms. Olmen discussed the apartment evaluations. There was a 14%
change in apartment values but without the new construction projects it would be
broken down to a 5.78% change. Ms. Olmen commented that the apartment market
continues to grow with vacancy rates down to 1.7% and rents increased by 7.2%. Ms.
Olmen gave an overview of the average rents.
Mayor Cummings thanked Ms. Munneke and Ms. Olmen for the update.
REQUEST TO MODIFY LEGISLATIVE POLICY 4-A LAWFUL GAMBLING POLICY;
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Hopkins Youth
Hockey Association (HYHA) members Angie Quale and Jill Prohofsky, Tom Barrett, MN
Gambling Control Board and Bob Byer, Mainstreet Bar & Grill.
City Clerk Domeier discussed the staff report. Ms. Domeier commented that the HYHA
and Mr. Byer made the request to modify the gambling policy to allow paper Bingo to be
played at additional establishments in Hopkins.
The HYHA representatives discussed the current bingo operation located at JJ’s
Clubhouse in Golden Valley. The bingo games have increased patronage at restaurant.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 10, 2018
Mr. Barrett discussed bingo operations and trends from the regulatory perspective. Mr.
Barrett explained that electronic bingo is relatively new but has seen an increase in
sales. Paper bingo is a more social activity. Mr. Barrett discussed the concern about the
effect on the civic organizations that currently operate bingo. Mr. Barrett explained that if
done correctly businesses and organizations work out the days of the week and cross-
promote the bingo events benefitting the local charities.
Council Member Halverson asked about the bar bingo wording. Mr. Barrett discussed
who could conduct gambling in Minnesota and the three elements that constitute
gambling. Mr. Byer explained that Mainstreet Bar & Grill would continue to play bar
“Mingo” one night a week and HYHA would host bingo two nights. Mayor Cummings
asked about the timetable, number of locations and if there are any other locations
wanting to add bingo. HYHA would be able to get started in two weeks after approval
since it is already licensed. The HYHA sites would include JJ’s Clubhouse, Tuttle’s Eat
Bowl Play and Mainstreet Bar & Grill. Ms. Domeier commented that no other Hopkins
businesses are pursuing bingo at this time. Council Member Gadd asked about the
number of bingo sites. Mr. Barrett commented that there are approximately 2800 sites in
Minnesota. Mr. Barrett commented that HYHA is a very cost effective charity. City Clerk
Domeier will research the number of bingo sites in the west metro area and update the
civic organizations about the potential change to the gambling policy. There was
Council discussion about the days and hour’s bingo is offered and the age limit. Mr.
Byer commented that bingo brings in the entertainment factor and therefore additional
business. The local ordinance limits bingo to be played by age 21+. Mayor Cummings
commented that bingo could be a cooperatively beneficial activity if it is cross-promoted
by other organizations and businesses.
Council consensus was in support of the policy change but want the civic organizations
to have an opportunity to provide feedback.
Ms. Domeier would have the policy change for consideration by the Council on the May
agenda. Staff will reach out to other businesses and organizations to give them an
opportunity to provide feedback.
CITY HALL PROJECT UPDATE
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Melissa Stein,
Jonathan Loose and John McNamara, Wold Architects and Engineers. The Wold staff
gave an overview of the City Hall schematic design and guiding principles. Wold
Architects looked at the needs of city for next 20 years, best organization function,
creation of a safe and welcoming facility, a sustainable, fiscally responsible building, a
comfortable work environment and a place that would showcase the city’s rich history
and commitment to the arts.
Ms. Stein discussed the proposed plan. Conversations with the Core Planning Team
helped develop a plan for a publically inviting, central service counter and collaborative,
secure and lighted work environment. Wold and the Core Planning Team met with staff
user groups from City Hall to develop the proposed plan. Ms. Lenz commented that staff
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 10, 2018
toured area City Halls. Ms. Stein commented that department support staff would be
located near the front counter for the best customer service. There was discussion
about potential for growth. Ms. Lenz commented that there would be flex cubicles,
collaboration space and as the City converts to electronic, paperless processes there
would be space to grow into. Ms. Stein discussed visibility, safety, security and
improved aesthetics to the City Council Chambers. The lower level renovation would
include better organized meeting space, storage, nursing and wellness space. The new
front entry scheme would include a vestibule, better visibility and public art space. Ms.
Lenz discussed the landscaping, front plaza and ADA improvements. The proposed
entryway schematic would be a more modernized welcoming approach bringing in more
daylight. There was discussion about bringing in natural light and air into the employee
break room and a possible green roof. There was discussion about green roofs and
maintenance concerns. Council commented on the importance of bringing light into
workspaces.
Ms. Stein discussed the cost and budget. The base project total costs are approximately
$2.9 million. The potential additional and preservation estimates could add an additional
$1 million in costs. Council commented that they liked the schematic but that there
needs to be a deeper understanding how the City Hall project and other future projects
would affect the overall Financial Management Plan (FMP). There was discussion about
project phasing and disruption for residents and staff. Ms. Lenz discussed the addition
of a construction manager for the project. Council commented that a construction
manager would be critical to assure the renovation goes smoothly and have a better
project in the end. Ms. Lenz discussed the project timeline and displacement of staff.
The project would include a four-month lead-time for final design and documents. The
total construction of the project would take approximately ten months with six to eight
months of construction on the upper level. Staff would utilize the City Hall lower level
and rooms at other city buildings to minimize temporary relocation costs. Finance
Director Bishop discussed the FMP and financial impact of the project on residents.
Franchise fees and the FMP will be on the May Council Work Session agenda. Council
would like to review the FMP with different project options. Council asked to include the
windows and the construction manager in the base project projection and to have
another projection with all the proposed renovations.
Staff will arrange for the Council to tour the upper level of City Hall.
City Clerk
City Clerk Domeier gave an update on a request from Royal Comedy to change hours
of operation. Council approved an ordinance amendment just last July for Royal
Comedy. Ms. Domeier explained the difference between the theatre license and
restaurant license. Royal Comedy pays $5000 per year licensing fee. Ms. Domeier
discussed the different licensing schemes between cities and license requirements.
Council consensus was not to change the ordinance for expanded hours.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 10, 2018
Pawn America Pay Day America email
City Manager Mornson discussed an email regarding the Met Council acquisition and
relocation of the Pawn America Pay Day business. Due to the zoning code there are a
limited number of sites in the City of Hopkins where a pawnshop can locate. Council
consensus was that they do not want to change ordinance but would like additional
information about the distance compliance of the potential sites.
Auto Ordinance discussion
City Manager Mornson discussed the Auto Use Ordinance. There was discussion about
issuing a moratorium to allow the Council and staff to study the possible changes to the
ordinance and protect the two vacant Mainstreet properties. The City Attorney has
advised staff that the City can issue a moratorium. The moratorium would give staff and
Council one year for further discussion, take into consideration the issues affecting auto
businesses along Mainstreet and take a comprehensive look at the entire city. There
was discussion about the timetable, a licensing option, having staff get feedback from
the auto businesses and scheduling a Council Work Session.
Council discussed the need for a clear vision for the west end of Mainstreet.
The Community Development staff has had a lot of feedback about improvements that
are needed to the west end of Mainstreet. Staff could share their vision at the scheduled
Council Work Session.
Council Consensus was to issue a moratorium on the Auto Ordinance.
UPDATES
Council Member Kuznia commented that three developers have been selected for
the Cold Storage site and interviews have been scheduled.
Council Member Campbell will be attending the Comp Plan meeting Wednesday.
Council Member Gadd will be attending the Community Works meeting.
Mayor Cummings attended the State of the County Address by Jan Callison.
Mayor Cummings attended the HBCA meeting and gave an update on the Running
of the Bulls event on July 7.
Update on an artist mural on the Hance Hardware outside east wall. Hance
Hardware was advised to speak with city staff regarding the sign ordinance.
Mayor Cummings will be attending the EdCo award presentation and the TwinWest
meeting.
Mayor Cummings has submitted an application to attend an entrepreneurship
conference in Kansas City this summer.
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
Update on a scheduled outdoor concert at Mill City Sound and the Elks.
Hopkins Academy update.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 10, 2018
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Campbell, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk