05-23-00 WSMINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -MAY 23, 2000
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:00 p.m. on May 23, 2000, at the
City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen, Hesch,
Jensen and Johnson. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke, Finance Director Yager,
Police Chief Reid, Captain James Liddy and Fire Chief Beckering. Also present was David Kroos.
Space Needs Study, Craig Reid and Don Beckering, presenters
Police Chief Reid and Fire Chief Beckering conducted tours of their departments to
familiarize Council members with the space constrictions.
Chief Reid noted that the quality of officers is not determined by the physical space, but the
present space constrictions sometimes inhibit their effectiveness. The problems started in the 60's
because the types of calls have changed and have increased required record keeping (especially due
to increased domestic violence calls which have four times the paperwork involved). Chief
Beckering noted their biggest problem is lack of proper storage area, partly due to the increasing size
of trucks. He noted he has no private area at all for conducting evaluations.
David Kroos, architect for Boarman Kroos Pfister Vogel & Associates, discussed the space
assessment study conducted by his firm. He noted the lack of space and the poor configuration of
what space there is mean the staff has to fight the facility constrictions, rather than getting support
from the facility. Remodeling is no solution; there simply is not enough room (for example the
police need approximately 13,330 additional square feet to operate efficiently). He noted space ratio
for the police is 30% office/70% support space (squad rooms, storage, records, training rooms, etc.)
and for the fire department is 5-10 % office/90-95 % support (truck storage; equipment storage;
hazardous materials, etc.). In contrast, city hall staff uses mostly office space and very little support
space.
In answer to Council questions, Mr. Kroos said he felt if present needs were met, the future
needs would not be markedly greater as Hopkins would probably not expand greatly in area. The
next step would be to take the study and test it against possible options. This study had not looked at
solutions, such as site choices, etc. He said later he felt splitting a department into two sites would
be only ashort-term solution.
City Manager Mielke said Council needs to think of all solutions -for example, move city
hall staff, build in the courtyard between departments or on the parking lot and have staff park in the
ramp, should both departments move or only one, could a department have two sites, etc. Chief
Beckering noted vacating city hall would not help his department's needs at all which are storage-
related, not office-related, such as a fifth bay for a fire truck. Mayor Maxwell commented he
wished the fire hall roof replacement had not been approved if a new fire hall would be needed.
General Consensus: The Council recognizes the severity of the fire and police departments'
space problems. They need time to discuss options, have staff study possible sites, have in-depth
discussions with the fire and police departments, etc. before deciding how to implement the next
phase of option assessment.
Overview of monthly financial report, Lori Yager, presenter
There was general discussion and questions and answers. Items clarified by Ms. Yager
included: "unallocated" is the contingency fund, but much of that is then allocated out to the proper
department. The contingency fund is properly used; the only item that has repeated is police
overtime. The Council/Administrative increase included the cost for Tom Allen and the new
Information Systems Specialist. League of Minnesota Cities fees of over $8,000 are also included.
There was discussion on the Art Center figures and TIF designations. The Economic Development
fund reserves are largely receivables; there is about $300,000 in cash.
General Consensus
Council would like to have a contingency fund balance reported regularly; there should be
project reports in reference to change orders; there needs to be a full discussion on the Art Center
funds; TIF funds should be briefly described in budget reports.
2001 Budget, Lori Yager, presenter
There was general discussion. Diane Johnson wanted Chief Reid to be present to discuss
police budgeting in the near future; others agreed this is essential due to the Hennepin County 800
mhz implementation. Ms. Yager explained the benefits of a 2-year budget process, noting it would
mean that in "off" years more time would be available for strategic planning.
General Consensus:
There is interest in a two-year budget, but not for immediate implementation. The Council
would like to see an actual sample to study and have more information on it, with the idea it might
be possible to implement in two years.
Other
Banner for Youth Voting
Fran Hesch noted Terry had put in a lot of work already. General consensus was to donate
the banner. If possible they would like a Hopkins logo or mention. The money should come from
the communications fund.
Extra meeting
There will be a May 30 meeting at 6:30. Topics shall include tax implementation for the Art
Center; tax abatement, general development discussion.
Fran Hesch moved adjournment; Diane Johnson seconded. Adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Kasey Kester, recording secretary
ATTEST:
Eug J. ell, Mayor