12-04-99A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on December 4, 2001, in the
Council Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Brausen, Jensen, Hesch, and
Johnson. Aiso, present were staff members Mielke, Genellie, Stadler, Kerrigan,
Yager, and City Attorney Jerre Miller.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA -PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none.
III. REPORTS -COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
1. Human Rights Commission -Presentation of Human Rights Award
Jim Genellie introduced Herb Gibbs, Pat Olsen, and Robert Samples, members of the
Human Rights Commission. Mr. Gibbs and Samples, and Ms. Olsen presented the
Human Rights Awards. Ramsgate Apartments was given the award. for sponsoring a
program for immigrant tenants that provides instruction in English as well as basic
daily living skills, thereby fostering a community that embraces diversity. The second
award was presented to Mizpah United Church of Christ. The congregation is
involved in a yearlong "open and affirming" process. The process is designed to help
the congregation welcome people from all races, cultures, sexual orientations, and
physical and mental disabilities. This program helps foster a community that
embraces diversity, mutual respect and principles of equal opportunity. The third
award went to Lana Sierra, the Chair of the Hopkins Heritage Celebration Planning
Committee. The celebration set the tone for a city that celebrates and embraces
diversity. The final award was presented to Fran Hesch. Ms. Hesch has embraced
diversity, mutual respect, and the principles of equal opportunity. Ms. Hesch lives her
belief of sharing her time and talent, encouraging others and giving to the community.
2. Chemical Health Commission
Connie Kurtz reported that the Chemical Health Commission is working on marketing
and funding plans for the Depot Coffee House. They will also participate in the Town
Meeting to be held on February 25, 2002. The theme of the meeting will be
"Message of Hope". The use of tobacco and alcohol has declined among Hopkins
students.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of November 20, 2001 City Council Meeting
2. Ratify Prior Month's Disbursements
3. Appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission - Kristy Halvorson
4. Approve Miscellaneous License Applications
5. Approve TIF District 2 - 1 1 Modification (CR2001-161)
6. Approve Final Payment Moline Water Tower Painting (CR2001-191)
7. Approve Hennepin County Maintenance Agreement, Traffic Control Systems
(CR2001-195)
8. Acceptance of petition for Medici, Their Contractors, and the Hopkins City
Council (CR2001-187)
In response to Mayor Maxwell's question, Mr. Stadler said that the Hennepin County
Maintenance Agreement would assure assistance for any traffic signals that the City
is responsible for. The signals on County Road 3 are the responsibility of Hennepin
County.
Council Member Johnson moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to
approve the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1 . Approve 2001 Liquor Licenses (CR2001-189)
Terry Obermaier said that staff is recommending renewal of liquor licenses and
accompanying miscellaneous licenses. All current license holders have submitted
applications except Raspberries (Hopkins House). The Police have reviewed all
licenses. In October 2001, compliance checks were done on tobacco licenses. Eight
businesses failed the cJ~ecks. Five of those who failed also hold liquor licenses.
Since the report was done, all but one licensee has paid the citation. Chief Reid has
requested that tobacco license approval be contingent upon the payment of citations.
In response to Mayor Maxwell's question, Ms. Obermaier said that Connie Kurtz has
notified all of the licensees that this action was to be taken. Mayor Maxwell asked
that the owners of Blake Grocery be given follow-up notification.
Council Member Jensen moved and Council Member Hesch seconded a motion to
approve the attached Liquor License renewals for 2002, contingent on receiving
certificates of insurance and payment of all fees. Also, approve the accompanying
miscellaneous licenses for businesses that hold Liquor Licenses with the exception
that tobacco licenses are approved only when outstanding citations are paid. A poll
of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen,
aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell,
aye. The motion carried unanimously.
2. Approve Excelsior Boulevard Landscape Design (CR2001-194)
Steve Stadler said that a final plan was approved one year ago, but since that time
the intersection design has changed.. This plan is based on the new intersection
design. An open house was held early in November and another will be held next
week.
Bruce Chamberlain, Hoisington Koegler, presented the design. Mr. Stadler reviewed
the schedule. A cost sharing agreement will be presented to the Council in January
or February. Mr. Stadler said that the County should have sent the vacation notice to
UHaul. Council Member Hesch thanked Mr. Stadler for all the work that he has put
into the planning of the intersection on County Road 3. Mr. Stadler commended the
consultants.
Council Member Jensen moved and Council Member Hesch seconded a motion to
approve the landscape/streetscape design plans for the Excelsior Boulevard, Phase II
reconstruction project. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen,
aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member
Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Authorize Call of Serial Bonds in TIF District 1-1 (CR2001-193)
Lori Yager said that General Obligation Redevelopment Refunding bonds were issued
in 1993. Seven of the serial bonds are now callable. The cost of calling four of the
seven is 5830,000. Tax Increment District 1-1 has the capacity to call these bonds
this year and continue operating with a positive cash flow. The savings of interest on
the bonds is 5123,050. The lost earning potential is approximately 578,000. This is
a net savings of 545,000.
Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2001-91, authorizing the redemption of callable General Obligation
Redevelopment Refunding Bonds, Series 1993C, in Tax Increment District 1-1. A poll
of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen,
aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell,
aye. The motion carried unanimously.
4. Public Review/Approval of 2002 Budget (Memo)
Lori Yager said that final approval would take place on December 18th. The overall
levy was reduced by .550,000. Ms Yager expressed concern about State deficits and
how that will affect the City's budget. Staff asked that the Council consider keeping
the $50,000 in the budget to counter any shortfalls in State aid. Ms. Yager presented
the budget for 2002. Mr. Mielke said that the question is how much will be cut by
the State, not if an amount will be cut by State. Council Member Hesch said that she
would feel comfortable with adding the 550,000 back into the budget before final
approval.
No action was taken.
5. Compensation for Members of the National Guard (CR2001-190)
Jim Genellie said that Sgt. Chris Stroner has been called to active duty to patrol local
airports. Military salary is less than the salary he has been receiving from the City.
Some employers are providing additional compensation to employees who are called.
Mr. Genellie proposed that the City provide some additional financial assistance to
Sgt. Stroner by contributing enough money so that he would receive 80% of his
regular City Salary.
In answer to the Mayor's question, Mr. Genellie said that the Federal program will
limit liability for Guard personnel, but will not provide additional funds. The additional
funds will come from the contingency fund.
Council Member Jensen moved and Council Member Hesch seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2001-89, authorizing supplemental pay for City employees who are
members of the State National Guard and are called up to active duty. A poll of the
vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye;
Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye.
The motion carried unanimously.
6. Approve 2002 Meeting Calendar (CR2001-192)
Steve Mielke said that he usually presents the annual calendar for approval at the first
meeting of January, but this year, the first meeting is also the first conflict. Mr.
Mielke reviewed those dates that are in conflict.
Council Member moved Johnson and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to
adopt the year 2002 meeting calendar. ~A poll of the vote was as follows: Council
Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch, aye;
Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member
Jensen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by
unanimous consent at 8:44 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
erry O maier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
Eugen J. axwell, Mayor
COUNCIL MEMBERS