IV.2. Minutes of the April 17, 2018 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, APRIL 17, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 7:37 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, Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Planner
Lindahl, City Attorney Riggs and Public Works Director Stadler.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler commented that staff would be working on the spring
clean up program time changes.
Community Development
Automobile Moratorium Discussion:
City Manager Mornson discussed the automobile moratorium asking the City Council for
their feedback regarding the ordinance.
Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the licensing approach for
auto uses. City Attorney Riggs does not recommend licensing because auto uses vary
and it would be difficult to enforce. Ms. Elverum commented that the ordinance was not
amended to cause significant costs or affect the way they do business. Ms. Elverum
discussed non-conforming properties, zoning categories and boundary changes. Ms.
Elverum commented that changes in use could result in a higher end commercial
property. Staff appreciates any feedback from the Council and would continue to
communicate with the area businesses.
There was Council discussion regarding outdoor storage of vehicles. Mr. Lindahl
discussed the current ordinance and the time intensive process to track vehicle
turnover. In the proposed ordinance change junk vehicles need to be stored inside. Mr.
Lindahl discussed the definition of junk vehicles. Mr. Lindahl commented that the auto
market is choosing areas of visibility and access and that gradually moving away from
auto uses on Mainstreet would probably be a 20-30 year change over. There was
Council discussion about the vision for Mainstreet, protecting residential areas and
making the right decision for the community. Ms. Elverum discussed the differences
between businesses in the downtown core and the west end. The west end could be
more neighborhood serving retail.
Mayor Cummings commented that the goal is not to force out auto related uses or force
them to spend a lot of money to comply with the amended ordinance. The west end of
Mainstreet is not going to be like the core downtown and the need is to balance uses.
There was Council discussion about open garage doors and that any new business
could have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Lindahl could update the
Council with an inventory of business garage doors that face residential neighborhoods.
Mayor Cummings discussed the concern about enforcement of the current ordinance.
Council Member Halverson asked about auto uses in east Hopkins along Excelsior
Boulevard. Mr. Lindahl commented that the existing businesses are in the B-4 district
and are non-conforming. Council commented that it could be beneficial for Mainstreet
businesses to know that the east end businesses are still in existence.
Mr. Lindahl and Ms. Elverum discussed the next steps including feedback from City
Council and the stakeholders. Council would like to thoroughly review the ordinance but
not drag out the timeframe. Staff will update the Council at the August Work Session.
Pawn America Discussion
Ms. Elverum updated the Council on the Pawn America relocation. The SWLRT Project
Office is tasked with relocating Pawn America through the Relocation Act. Pawn
America has not found a Hopkins site that fits in the current ordinance. There was
discussion about the separation standard of the property owned by Taco Bell. Mr.
Lindahl commented that the separation standard is 200 feet from residential. The Taco
Bell site would be buffered by undevelopable land and could be a potential site. Mr.
Lindahl commented that the building design could protect the neighborhood. There was
discussion about the increase in the tax base, variance for the site and the public
perception of pawn businesses.
Administration
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
Blake Road neighborhood meeting on Wednesday
Hopkins Academy recognition
City Council agenda items in May include updates from TwinWest, Three Rivers
Park District and Jan Callison
Parking ramp update
City Council
Discussion of Hopkins Academy.
Council Member Kuznia commented that interviews of Cold Storage site potential
developers would be on May 9.
Discussion of Royal Comedy theatre licensing concerns.
Council Member Gadd discussed the Blake Road Subcommittee meeting and public
engagement.
Council Member Campbell complimented Public Works on the good job of snow
removal. Discussion of a sidewalk along Washington Ave N and north of Supervalu
that had not been plowed yet.
Mayor Cummings discussed recent and upcoming meetings.
Mayor Cummings commented that Hopkins is featured in the Hennepin History
magazine.
Discussion of the Park Board and Planning & Zoning Commission applications and
appointment process
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 8:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk