05-05-05 WSApril 5 Work Session
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - APRIL, 5, 2005
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwel] at
6:08 p.m. on Apri15, 2005, at the City Hall.
Present: Mayor Gene Maxwell, Council Members Rick Brausen, Diane Johnson, and Bruce
Rowan, City Manager Rick Getschow, Planning & Economic Development Duector Jim Kerrigan,
Housing and Development Coordinator Kersten Elvenun, Bob Deike of Bradley &Deike, and Sid
Inman of Ehlers & Associates
BLOCK 64 PROJECT
Mr. Kerrigan provided a status report on the Block 64 Project and outlined the next steps. Mr.
Kemgan distributed a revised construction phasing schedule provided by the developer, GPS
Financial.
Mr. Kemgan provided an overview of the results of the mazket study prepazed by McComb &
Associates. The differences between the mazket study and the developer's proposal were discussed,
including the target mazket, absorption timeline and pricing.
The relocation plan schedule was distributed and the current site plan/elevation was reviewed.
The access points were discussed.
A letter of interest is being proposed rather than a preliminazy financial commitment. Status
reports have been provided as well as geotechnicals, Phase 1 reports, land surveys, and developer's
financials.
The developer's letter dated Apri14, 2005, was distributed, and Mr. Kerrigan explained that
this would be the first project of this scale for the firm.
The proposed schedule was outlined, as well as the issues staff feels aze important to consider
regazding this project.
Mr. Inman discussed the anticipated financial gap in the project and the request for the use of
G.O. bonding authority.
Mayor Maxwell asked if anyone had questions. Council Member Johnson asked if
neighborhood meeting notes could be provided.
Mr. Inman indicated that the TIF district inspections were completed and it appears as though
the district will qualify. He then discussed the project's financial gap and the risk of issuing G.O.
bonds for this project. Mr. Inman pointed out the lazge professional fees associated with a phased
project. He also discussed other options outside of issuing G.O. bonds.
Mr. Kerrigan discussed the need for the developer to also provide coverage for the possible
exposure of the eminent domain process.
Apri15 Work Session
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Mr. Kerrigan indicated the sales office will be opening in mid-May. Other timing issues were
discussed.
Mayor Maxwell indicated a desire to use pay-as-you-go TIF rather than G.O. and the other
members agreed.
Mr. Getschow asked if the Council was in agreement with the proposed schedule and the
consensus was that they were.
OTHER
Council Member Brausen asked if there was information regarding the Elk's Lodge handicap
pazking issue. Mr. Getschow stated that he will check with Public Works Director Stadler.
Mr. Getschow provided the Council with a letter from Pat Isaak of the Minnehaha Oaks
Association regazding a resolution that the City Attorney has drafted on the Minnehaha Oaks Preserve.
Mayor Maxwell stated that the City Manager, Public Works Director and he will be attending a
meeting with School District officials in the office of the MPCA Commissioner the next morning
regarding the landfill site and the possibly of a bus depot facility on that site.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
RespectfuAy submitted,
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Jim Kerrigan anc'~Rick Getschow
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COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST:
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Eugene J. ell, Mayor