06-22-99 WSMINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -JUNE 22, 1999
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on June 22,
1999, at the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Redepenning and Council
members Hesch, Jensen, Johnson and Maxwell. City personnel present were City
Manager Mielke, Finance Director Yager, Director of Public Works Stadler, Police Chief
Johnson and Police Captain Liddy.
Review of Capital Improvements Plan., Lori Yas~er, presenter
Finance Director Lori Yager noted the CSAH 73/CSAH 5 intersection had been put
in for 2001, and the Excelsior pedestrian bridge had been added under 2001-2002.
As to the storage facility, she had figured savings to residential taxpayers under
the lease program rather than the referendum as the Council had directed; savings to
them would be about 50% under the lease. Fran Hesch said she favored the lease
program then; the others agreed. It was noted PIR pays either way. Steve Stadler said
he could prepare a memo before July 6 on how the process would work, funding, etc.
Diane Johnson asked why it was scheduled for 2000-2001 rather than later; Steve
Stadler noted it had originally been put in for 1999-2000. Steve Mielke noted that much
of the outlay for CIP projects was under transportation (roads, etc.) which are funded
elsewhere.
Steve Stadler said he had not yet talked to the Watershed District about the storm
drainage system.
Karen Jensen asked about the pedestrian bridge. Lori Yager said estimates have
not been finished. Steve Stadler said right now the focus was on seeing if the project
was even feasible. A major problem is that Met Transit has not decided what they will
do, and the bridge needs to work with their plan, as well as with trail access. Fran Hesch
said she felt perhaps first a study should be done as to the best location to go over
County Road 3, rather than wait for the Met Transit. In answer to Mayor Redepenning's
question, Steve Mielke said the cost for the bridge would be shared by the City and
Hennepin Parks. Karen Jensen noted she had heard many comments on how difficult
crossing Excelsior Blvd. is, safety for children is a real issue. Steve Stadler noted what
is done to the North Annex and Jackson Ave. could also have an impact.
Later Fran Hesch said that perhaps the Art Center needs to be put into future CIPs.
General Consensus: The storage facility should proceed under the lease option
rather than a referendum. Steve Stadler still needs to follow up with the Watershed on
the storm drainage. Staff needs to discuss with Hennepin Parks what the best way to
connect the north and south trails is. If it is agreed a pedestrian bridge is the best way,
then the Council can discuss a feasibility study as to best location.
Review of Equipment Replacement Plan, Lori Yager, presenter
Lori Yager said she had talked to towns of similar size such as Anoka and Crystal,
and found Hopkins figures for police vehicles were very similar. Captain Liddy noted they
used to turn cars over two years, and have extended it to three years. Steve Mielke
noted the fact there were 1 1 marked vehicles had started the questions; only 8 are
actually police vehicles, the other three are used for other purposes. Chief Johnson said
1
~~-~ _ ~ - _ _r _~ _.~......._ ,~.
often 5-6 cars are out at once, and frequently at least one is being serviced. They could
easily use 1 or 2 more vehicles, especially since pursuit training is very hard on vehicles.
Captain Liddy noted shifts overlap; on Friday and Saturday all the marked vehicles are
often in use. He also noted that a marked car is often in the parking lot through a shift
as they are assigned to supervisory personnel as well.
Lori Yager said she had changed the replacement levy to a straight 53,000 per
year as discussed at the last work session.
2000 Program Budget, Lori Yager, bresenter
Lori Yager explained the sample budget format. Gene Maxwell noted the new
format helped the Council and staff see more easily where cuts or changes could be
made. Fran Hesch and Diane Johnson noted that while the format could be broken
further, they felt it should be implemented in steps.
General Consensus was to continue with the new budget format.
HCA Community Usage PQlicv, Steve. Mielke,. aresenter
Steve Mielke presented his memo on Community Usage events policy. Gene
Maxwell asked how four events had been arrived at. Steve Mielke said it was stated
during the last discussion of this matter. There was general discussion about the
Raspberry Festival. Fran Hesch noted that Jay said the staff was maxed out at the
present level so city usage should be assessed carefully; Karen felt 60 days was too big
a window. There was general concern on what exact costs were for events and city
usage. In answer to the Mayor's question, Steve Mielke noted the city had used the
Center only about 6 times in 1999. In answer to Karen Jensen's question, he noted HCA
would come under the new budget format. He also noted that for small rooms, the 50%
rate might not cover actual costs; there may need to be a stepped rate depending on
room desired.
General Consensus: The Raspberry Festival should get the reduced rate, but not
be included in the four as it is a special type of event. Diane Johnson asked that the
Festival Committee be informed as to charges, etc. City usage should come under a
separate policy. Four is a good trial number; there should be one reduced-rate event per
quarter. Actual costs for set-up, take-down of various sized rooms needs to be
determined so it can be determined if 50% is a reasonable figure. Steve Mielke should
get more details on city usage. He shall determine if caterers pay aset-up/take-down
charge, kitchen use charge, etc. in answer to Mr. Maxwell's query. Qualifying events will
have to be open to the public, with no admission charged, though donations can be
accepted. (Events for the benefit of HCA are the exception as to admissions.) No event
can be in conflict with the mission of HCA. HCA staff can determine which events
would qualify, once a policy is in place. The policy shall be approved by the HCA
Operations Board before becoming effective. Cut-rate events can take place only on
"off" nights, not at prime-time.
Steve Mielke should reformat the draft and get it to the City Council before their
next meeting. It will then be sent to the operations Board for discussion, followed by a
joint meeting with the operations board the end of July.
Gene Maxwell noted that scholarship funding for such events be discussed at a
later time.
2
Board and Commission Communications
Mr. Mielke noted four boards/commissions would be required to report on a regular
basis: Chemical Health, Human Rights, Park, Zoning/Planning. Liaisons would be
eliminated. Mayor Redepenning said members had expressed concern on how long the
reports would take. He also asked about orientation. Mr. Mielke said he had spoken to
staff liaisons about preparing orientation. Karen Jensen said she felt it was important
that board/commission members be reminded they can have a vision of what they would
like and send it to the Council, that reports not be just "what we have done." Fran
Hesch said she felt guidelines for group process should be given, perhaps at the
orientation.
General Consensus: The tone to the board/commission members should be one
of invitation, that the Council wants to meet personally with them. The reports will be
after public comment and before the consent agenda, with a 15-minute time slot.
Mayor Redepenning said he would serve on the Cable Commission the coming
year.
Other Issues:
Web Site: Consensus was there would be no home phone numbers put on the
Web.
Action. Notes are helpful and appreciated.
HCA: The first report should be a status report on the strategic plan.
Steve Kellv: A congratulatory letter should be sent on his recognition by the
League of Minnesota Cities.
Motion to adjourn was made by Diane Johnson and seconded by Karen Jensen..
It passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Kasey Kester, recording secretary
COI.IWCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayo
L
3