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05-11-99 WSMINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SON MAY 11, 1999 A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on May 11, 1999, at the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Redepe wing and Council members Heidi, Jensen, Johnson and Maxwell. City paso®ael preset were City Manager Mielke, Diu.. .tar of Public works Stadler, City Planner Anderson, Public Housing Mang Skeppa, Finance Director Yager, Assistant City Manager Genellie, and Planning Economic Development Director Kerrigan. Also present were Bill Griffith of Blake School, and Mark Koegler of Hole Koeglcr Group, Inc. Bloke School Access hones, Sten Stadler, presenter Steve Stadler said a meeting had been held May 5 with Hennepin County Commissioner Tambornino and County staff, Mayor Redepeoning, City Manages Mielke, Public work Dui. Stadia and Blake School staff. It was decided that the City and County would consider an option of removing the raised ceIh median from Harrison Ave. to Pierce Ave. and replace it with a ceder, opposing left turn area to provide the access at Tyler Ave. Blake School is seeking. Blake School also brought up the issue of compensation for the 1.1 acres of school property the Red'ior Blvd. Phase II will be taking. Blake School would rather receive compensatory etuitiguous land rather than money. He then introduced Bill Griffith of Blake School to explain the school's overall per• Bill Griffith said he armed to male clear that Blake School is not in an adversarial position with Hopkins; rather their goal is to get what they need without jeopardizing the Boulevard eicpansion. He showed a map, indicating the drop -off improvement done last year, which provides better safety for students as they get on and off the buses. The down -side was it took some parking space, making the need for the new parking area even more acute. They feel the proposed median break is essential to maintain safety, as there is so much traffic from downtown. He noted that peak hour for the school would be 3:00 -4:00, earlier than regular traffic. They were very encouraged by the County's willingness to consider the "fifth lane" for trailing, but realize there are reviews, buffalos issues to be decided, etc. before a final decision can be made. They prefer using Tyler rather than Harrison for the break so that they do not need to use First Street in deference to their neighbors. He Pmpl+isized that in the land compensation, the school has no plans to use any of the compensatory land for development, but for buffering from the neighborhood. They would be very willing to give a permanent easement for the bike trail, as they want it to remain. Buff ;rig is a major concern of theirs, not only to maintain good relations with the ndghborhood, but also for safety, especially along the Boulevard. The school would appreciate if they could be part of the process when the buffering of Akort'ior Boulevard is planned. In answer to Steve Stadia's question if or parking options had been considered, Mr. Griffith pointed out the soccer field is a back-up for area drainage. Another paramount concern is k 1 kg the lower school separate for wifely reasons. Field areas are mooted out. The proposed area is the only option they find viable. Steve Mielke asked about vacating First Street. Blain, School would support that. Gene Maxwell asked Steve Stadler if there were plans to straighten Excelsior Blvd. east of Harrison where it curves; these are not. Mr. Griffith added that males a fifth lane even more imperative. Mayor Redepenming added the disposition of the corns with Surge and Dairy Queen has not yet been decided on. Gene Maxwell pointed out the Edina/Hopkins border along the trail may be an issue. In answer to Fran Hesch's query of timing, Mr. Stadler said preliminary layout approval is schrinieil for June; construction on Pcce'ior Blvd. would probably begin in 2000. The median break ills must be decided for the preliminary planning; the lead exdumge issue does not. General Consensus: The next step needed is a neighborhood meeting. The Council agreed to Mr. OEif i h's summon it be held at Blake School. All Mt the neighborhood needed to know the trail would not be jeopardized and that Blake School is willing to close First Street in order to get its median break. Comp Plan Review, Nancy Anderson, presenter Nancy Anderson emphasized that what was being presented was a rough draft of the housing and land use components. Thee will be an open house for public input before their May meting, and they will 56_m..,ge to work on other sections of the Comp Plan. A discussion of particular areas on the map followed. It was noted the Bicycle Trail Hub will be under "Parks." General Consensus: The following areas were especially noted: (1) LRT Site, how should it be classified so that bath the LRT and Super Vain can be accommodated (Steve Welke noted the aw gent with Super Vain specified it as "business park"); (2) Blake/Rvel ■ior area, an open issue, the Council would like several options to consider (can it be 'divided into 2 areas?); (3) two specific residential areas should be made MLA density; (4) "Steiner piece," what are the alternatives? (5) Shady Oak Road area is an open issue; (6) Hopkins House area, now zoned R4 and marked high-deosity, What is more logical? The Council d.1..1 0y does not want any areas marked "High Density" where there are not apartments at present. The Council wants a ]mpg of the changes made so that some do not get missed Changes to Public Housing Program, Kamen Skeppe r, presenter On October 21, 1998, the Quality Housing and work Responsibility Act was passed by Congress. It will transform the way Housing Authorities operate over the neat two years. Karen Sk upper assured the Council that the mandates due October 21 have already been met by Hopkins. Some mandates may not affect Hopkins (such as a resident on the HRA Board of Commissioners) as it has only 86 units. The Tenancy Advisory Board will hopefully go into %AM this summer. Fending formulas have changed, giving the program more Banality. Refers will be able to choose if they want to use 30% of their adjusted income or 10% of their unadjusted income as their rent amount, but a ceiling based on market analysis will go into place in an ttrnpt to keep higher level income people. Printers who have no jobs and are not elderly or disabled will be required to do 8 hours of oo.....bs.:rty service each month; this will be routed through another agency. One of the best changes in her opinion is that rent cannot be reduced if the tenant is not meeting work rc,.luicim.aeota. General Consensus: The Council would lake a list of the actions that must be in place with their deadlines. Informotion To Analogies Recommendation, Lori Yager, presenter Lori Yager said an MIS Coordinator would cost Hopkins $50- 65,000/year, including the cost of benefits. A cone would cost $75/hour, which at 4 hours/day would be $78,000 a year. She noted $60,0001111(1 been set aside for this area, and there is $100,000 in the contingency finding. Steve Miel ke noted the Peat Marwick study was the best thing the city could have done as now we know exactly what we need and what our deficiencies are. He added the city has a million dollars invested in computer technology, and no one is in charge of k. The situation is critical. He suggested the city hire a person for the remainder of this year and 2000, and for 2001 the position would need to be justified before it could be renewed; there would be a once -year probation period. General Consensus: The matter should be pot on the consent agenda for the nut Council meeting. Y2K Discussion, Jim Gam, presenter Jim Genellie said the following systems were already compliant: telephone, voice mail, water and sewer monitoring, city vehicles (including fire trucks), city hall generator, irrigation system, Civil Defense Brea. The following are not yet compliant: utility wing, police computa, poles dam, buildhig inspection permits software. He noted monies had been allocated earlier for general updating of the utility ($47,000) and police systems ($250,000). Therefore, "cost of Y2K updating" is basically: voice mail, $13,000; police dictation, $1,000; building inspection, $35,000. Lori Yager noted all investments, etc. were iao1ded if banking systems had problems. Jim Genellie said he would get more information on banking. Steve Mielkoe noted police and fire departments will be on alert and are working on some scenarios. Jim Genellie saki three issues still need to be dealt with: implementing the new systems by the end of the year; testing the complete computer system; gyritingscy pig. General Consensus: Karen Jensen suggested service clubs be contacted to be on call for emergencies. Other ideas included issuing flags to de on doors if help is needed, setting up uc th..g ncy corps and places. These will be looked into by city staff. Other Issues: Video Store Steve Mielbe announced that an employee of Hopkins Video wants to start a video store at Suburban Square, with a significant portion of adult -only stock which will remain below the 30% that defines an "adult store." A permit was not issued as there was no enclosed space for the adult material. There would also be 4 tanning beds. Trucks on Second Ave and 5th St. Fran Hesch had been approached by a resident ..apiLasmg concern about increased truck traffic. Steve Mielke said a letter would be *Lima. Board and Commission Appredadon: Several Council members expressed disappoint- ment in the service and menu. Steve Mielloe said a letter was already being drafted. Beach Opening Diane Johnson suggested those taking part in the volleyball game all wear "Raspberry Festival" shirts for the June 23 event. Motion to adjourn was made by Diane Johnson and seconded by Fran Hesch. It passed unanimously. Mein adjourned at 10:27 p.m. Kersey Kester, recording secretary COUNCIL MRMREtS 1 ..g Arai/ .64