10-24-00 WSMINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -OCTOBER 24, 2000
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on October 24, 2000, at
the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen,
HeSCIi and Johnson. Ciiy personnel present were City Manager PJlielke, Finance Director Yager,
Facilities Manager Strachota, Pavilion Manager Olson, Police Chief Reid, James Liddy, David
Klocek, and George Magdal
Facilities Division Advertising and Naming Rights, Jay Strachota, presenter
Competition for the Pavilion is increasing as more arenas have facilities for soccer, the
activity that has kept the Pavilion going. Further money must be generated for it to keep competitive.
Don Olson presented some income-producing ideas: advertising at the Overpass Skate Park and
Pavilion, and the selling of naming rights to the theatre, rooms in the Center, the Skate Park, and
Pavilion. Advertising would include an outdoors electronic sign on Excelsior Blvd. and signs on
surfaces at the Pavilion and Skate Park. He noted the Jaycees had donated the costs of the Skate
Park and their approval would be needed for naming it. He projects up to $250,000 for the theatre
naming over 10 years. Feneis, a St. Cloud firm, would be in charge of the electronic sign; there
would be a $200 per month maintenance fee and they would receive the income for the regular
signage on the board for 15 years; Hopkins would receive the income from the electronic portion.
Ms. Johnson said she was upset about the idea of naming the Skate Park as the Jaycees had
given it to the city, besides donating heavily to the Pavilion and Art Center; Mr. Brausen and Ms.
Hesch had similar concerns. Mr. Olson said he was only presenting a concept, not getting ready to
initiate a process, and naming the theatre had been suggested before. Mayor Maxwell asked about
current advertising spaces; Mr. Olson said 7 out of 8 were sold, but it is very difficult for him to do
the work necessary. Ms. Johnson suggested the HBCA be approached to see if they would support
the electronic sign by advertising on it; later she commented room names at the Activity Center
could be popular. Ms. Hesch suggested that Zoning & Planning be consulted, even though the
indoor signage would not be their field.
General Consensus: The need for an advertising/signage policy was agreed upon. All
agreed that advertising, per se, is now a viable option, provided it is done tastefully. Mayor Maxwell
emphasized Nancy Anderson must be conferred with as to variances, etc. Jay Strachota and Don
Olson should check further on suppliers, possible advertisers, etc.
2001 Budget Discussions
Ms. Yager said that when she added proposed budgets from the departments, there was a
$300,000 overage if Hopkins would maintain the 6% levy proposed. After working with heads of
departments, there is now $4,000 left in the budget. Most of the changes from last year in budget
amounts are due to reallocation of work-hours, etc. because last year was the first year for the new
program-based budget. As always, salaries and benefits account for 75 % of the budget costs.
Ms. Hesch asked if medical benefits accounted for most of the increased costs. Ms. Yager
will check and report back. Mr. Mielke noted all departments have frozen or reduced their supplies
budgets. Rising fuel costs may present a problem. There will not be any new programs. New
revenues will be difficult to find; the state has basically frozen its level of help. In answer to Mayor
Maxwell's question, Ms. Yager said money from the cable franchise does not go to the general fund.
Police Dept.
Chief Reid noted that domestics are taking more and more resources-even he has gone on
some calls as language difficulties require more policemen to keep parties separated. He is three
officers short. Shift changes and organizational changes are helping somewhat.
He presented a possible project for revenue in which Hopkins Police Dept. would maintain a
Central Alarm Response Station. He feels that his department could charge less than the commercial
centers, and at the sa~ue toile give beer service as there would not be the present ti~`ne lag. rIe
thinks the department could produce its own software and keep start-up costs to about $14,000,
which would be recouped in 2 years. If the Council approves, he thinks he could get the program
started within the first quarter of 2001. He also discussed pawn shops, which cost more than they
bring in. The new program should help this also.
General Consensus: Chief Reid should pursue his idea. He will come back in December
with more data. Ms. Yager noted that start-up costs could possibly come from another fund and be
paid back over the 2 years.
Fire Department
Mr. Beckering noted they met Ms. Yager's budget cuts by putting off equipment purchases
and education programs. Mr. Magdal described the smoke alarm program, which will be totally
financed by grant money. They hope to install 1000 alarms. Mr. Beckering noted a new pumper is
needed, but a standard model will save some of the cost. Mayor Maxwell asked about the repeaters;
they are still a problem. The various departments are discussing ways to "trade" frequencies over
the next few years. The consultant says the $25,000 allocated will keep the system going short-term.
The Hopkins House demolition will cause problems as it is a tower site. Personnel is down by 8.
The department is looking into using people who work, but don't live, in Hopkins for daytime staff.
General Consensus: The Police and Fire Department should consult with Stacy Horwitz for
possible grant money for radio systems.
Council
Discussion centered on the $7000 for the open house. It was also noted that money for the
visioning process had come from the contingency fund.
General Consensus: The open house should be dropped. Money should be allocated for the
Citizens' Academy instead.
Administration
City Manager Mielke noted he met budget by cutting ahalf-person. The Council/Staff
Retreat is scheduled for January. Utility franchise fees are estimated to be possible income of
$200,000 at .5 %, based on NSP figures. The pay study continues and should be implemented in
2002. Web site advertising was discussed. He plans to keep the Wellness program as it is so
popular with employees.
General Consensus: The Web site needs to be kept current, banner advertising should be
looked into. The possibility of charging some of Eddie's time to the cable franchise for Web site
work should be checked.
Finance
Ms. Yager said the new software is up and running, but still presenting problems. 20-year
cash flow projections are done for all funds. She may still apply for the Budget award of the
Government Finance Officers Association. TIF reports are charged back to the developers.
Personnel have been trained to cover each other's jobs.
General Consensus: Ms. Yager should prepare information on a 3 %/6 % levy increase per
household chart to help the Council judge the budget.
Other Issues:
Hennepin Co. Prevention Forum at the Depot Coffee House
Ms. Hesch said the police helping with traffic was a good example of interdepartment
cooperation. She heard many positive comments as "has to be a unique thing in the nation" re the
Depot, and felt Anthony and Kathleen did a very good job.
Employee Appreciation Luncheon
Council members expressed displeasure at the meal and suggested changing caterers.
Citizens' Academy
Mayor Maxwell said seeing the teamwork and spirit of the staff makes him feel "really
good." Mr. Mielke noted the staff had been really worried about the concept -and love it now.
Nnrth Annax
Mr. Mielke asked for feedback on what the Council wants to be stressed with the possible
developer. Ms. Johnson said traffic patterns. All are to bring suggestions to the next meeting.
Ms. Hesch moved adjournment; Ms. Johnson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:59 p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
ATTEST:
Eugen . M well, Mayor
COUNCIL MEMBERS