01-14-03 WSJanuary 14, 2003
Page 1
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -January 14, 2003
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on January 14, 2003, at
the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen,
Jensen and Johnson. City personnel present were: City Manager Mielke; Public Works Director
Stadler; Parks Superintendent Vogtman; Crime Prevention Specialist Kathy Magdal. Also present
were: Sharon MacDonald of Reduce the Use Coalition; Jessie Kemmer, Barbara Macintosh and
Maureen Allen of the Chemical Health Commission; and Ron Roetzel of Bolton & Menk.
Tobacco and Youth
Ms. MacDonald noted tobacco usage by teens is lower in Hopkins than the statewide
average. Statewide it has dropped steadily since 1998. If school, the major factor, is a positive
experience, there is lower usage. The biggest danger is that teens that smoke are more likely to
drop out of school, and school dropouts often end up incarcerated in later life. Risk-taking begets
risk-taking. Major sources of tobacco for teens are older persons, stealing, and buying with a fake
ID. She asked why the moratorium was put in place; Mayor Maxwell said the issue of a "tobacco
and gift" type shop made the Council want to study the issue. Mr. Mielke added that compliance
check cost is also an issue. Ms. Jensen is concerned about "target areas"; Ms. MacDonald said
there is a problem at a market on Cedar Lake Road in Minnetonka where a source is close to the
school. Later Ms. Magdal noted that a "distance from school" requirement would need to include
daycares; the small size of Hopkins could be a problem. Ms. Jensen would like to see if there is a
difference between West and North Schools as one has a store nearby; Ms. MacDonald said that
data might be obtainable from Hopkins' own study. Mayor Maxwell noted outside signage, not
location, is the major problem; Mr. Mielke added the city attorney has said regulating such
signage will raise the issue of equal protection. Ms. Allen said a sandwich sign in a parking lot
should be eliminated. Ms. Magdal said that due to police force shortages compliance checks were
not done in December; when she does them, she will check outdoor signage. Ms. MacDonald
noted many youth state that the tobacco and gift shop is a source. Ms. Johnson asked if there
were complaints, could those stores get more compliance checks? Ms. Magdal noted Minnetonka
has upped their fines to $250 for first con-compliance, $500 for the 2"d. Ms. Allen noted one store
in Burnsville could not sell tobacco for 30 days after one non-compliance violation. Mayor
Maxwell suggested commission members talk to tobacco sellers and explain their concerns.
Answering Ms. Johnson, Ms. MacDonald said "all tobacco" stores are not as big a problem, as
minors aren't allowed in. Ms. Kemmer said the underage fine of $100 or take a class is in place.
She finds most in the class are into other bad habits -liquor, marijuana, theft, etc.
General Consensus: Chemical Health should approach tobacco sellers and explain their
concerns face-to-face. Outdoor signage needs to be studied by the Commission and staff.
Downtown Park Improvements
Mr. Vogtman showed concept drawings of two different structures for the park. The
gazebo would hold 30-40 people (600 sq. ft.) and costs $25-30,000; the bandshell could hold 80
(1100 sq. ft.) And costs $36-40,000. Installation is extra for both and could add another $20,000.
January 14, 2003
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He also showed advertising for a permanent fabric structure that he has shown the Jaycees.
General discussion followed. Sound being carried to residential areas was a concern. Whether the
two structures could be used together for events was questioned, especially as people, especially
those with children, use the park for Jaycee events that could not do so if beer came into the park.
Ms. Johnson and Mr. Brausen did not like the looks of the fabric structure; Mr. Vogtman said he
chose it only because it was an example of a structure that cars could park under . Mr. Stadler
noted the CIP for the park project is $90,000; Mr. Vogtman added $60-70,000 was planned for the
building. Mr. Vogtman said a decision needs to be made in the next few weeks if it is to be used
for Music in the Park this year. Pavers were discussed, but were not seen as a priority.
General Consensus: Discussion will continue Jan. 28 and action will betaken Feb. 4. The
bandshell is favored; Mr. Vogtman should find out if a smaller version is available and if it can be
built with no back wall. He should look into other sites in the park, as facing north is not a good
idea. The fabric building is a separate issue. "Buy a brick" should not be done for the park, but
making it a yearly event for the Clock Tower Plaza should be thought about.
Review of Excelsior Boulevard Phase II Project
Mr. Stadler said the project is under budget, even with the change orders. He summarized
the history of the current problem -the county had accepted a plan when the Medica project came
up. Hopkins wanted intersection work done for the North Annex; the County gave the design to
the City. Hopkins hired Bolton & Menk. They could use only a few pages of the EnviroScience
plans. Utility mains required redoing plans almost to Blake. Stadler would like to talk to the
county about sharing some of the additional costs incurred, especially as the county added another
level to the approval process which added cost and they asked for a subgrade plan. Mr. Stadler
would like to have the Council okay the major portion of the Bolton & Menk bill, and then
approach the county on the remainder. Mr. Roetzel said they had cut $38,000 off the bill already
and is willing to take the two-part payment.
General Consensus: Mr. Stadler should ask for two change orders and approach the county
for the second portion.
Fifth Avenue Project
Mr. Stadler said Bolton & Menk is also doing this project. The original estimate was $1.3
million; the final estimate is $1.1 million. Sidewalks on the north side of 2nd will be possible with
the roadway raised 1 foot. A traffic plan with Supev alu has been agreed upon. Shrubs will need to
be trimmed back, but not removed, at Wayside and Highway 7. He feels the bump-outs will slow
traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.
Mr. Mielke asked if Council had gotten any feedback. Mr. Brausen said 3 or 4 people have
mentioned signage, sidewalk at Wayside, not liking the bump-outs; but they seem resigned to the
project. Ms. Johnson asked if the new owners at 5"' and 15` could be approached about removing
the shrubs that make that intersection dangerous. Ms. Jensen asked about creative signage; Mr.
Stadler said he is not comfortable with that as the city receives a lot of state aid for roads.
General Consensus: Mr. Stadler should draft a resolution as soon as possible setting out the
future actions of the city for this project: the traffic monitoring in a year to include business usage,
bus traffic, amount of traffic; signage; state aid and city-wide effects, etc. Council should report
back to Mr. Mielke on any changes desired by Friday. Mr. Mielke should get an update from
January 14, 2003
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MTC on buses.
Other
Niemann Letter: General consensus was that sending the updates to commission/board
members would answer many of his concerns. This led to a discussion on training board
members. It was agreed election should be May, with general training in June. Chairs should be
asked to come early/stay late for special chairman training. In July special Z&P training should
include a mock agenda; it was suggested Jerre Miller be approached.
Instant Run-off Voting: Ms. Hesch has asked for authority to do a forum on this. Ms.
Obermaier has checked with the vendor; current machines are not capable, new equipment would
need to be purchased. Ms. Johnson said the Charter Commission would be a good place to start.
Discussion followed. General Consensus was that the issue should go to the Charter Commission
first. They should give feedback to the Council before any other decisions are made.
Wage Adjustments: Mr. Mielke said that in light of state budget issues, city wages are a
big concern. General Consensus was this should be covered in a closed discussion. Mr. Mielke
will have Mr. Genellie also attend.
Ms. Johnson asked the city check into the broken sign with cigarette advertising strapped
on at Butch's Market.
Mayor Maxwell asked Council members to be ready with ideas for State of the City.
Mr. Brausen moved adjournment; Ms. Johnson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:35
p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
ATTEST:
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Eugene well, Mayor