Agenda December 4, 2006
Page 1
MINUTE5 OF THE HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
� TRUTH-IN-TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING �
Monday, December 4, 2006
Mayor Maxwell opened the public hearing at 6:35 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Thompson, Halverson, Rowan and Youakim. City personnel present were City Manager Rick
Getschow and Finance Director Christine Harkess.
Christine Harkess, Finance Director and City Manager Getschow reviewed the budget and the assessment
processes, how property taxes are determined and reviewed the proposed budget for 2007.
The staff explained that recently the city has seen a shift of tax revenue from commercial properties and
apartment buildings to residential properties due to the changes in the class rates that the state enacted a
few years back. They also mentioned the phasing out of the limited market value and how�some types of
properties appreciate in value over others and how that affects people's taxes. Also noted was that the
city's tax rate over the last three years has decreased from an approximate high in 2004 at 56% to a
proposed 46% in 2007.
Mayor Maxwell then opened the hearing to the public for comment.
• Don Rosener, 618 West Park Valley Drive, asked questions regarding the assessment of properties
and the sources of revenue that the city receives for funding services and capital improvements.
• • Tom Greene, 14 Hawthorne Road, expressed concern over the amount of city taxes he pays as
compared to those in nearby communities. He also asked some questions and made some comments
regarding city services.
'• A11an Breitbarth, 13 Seventh Avenue S., questioned the valuation of his particular property. �
Finance Director Harkess and City Manager Getschow discussed the process for contacting city assessors
in regards to property values and also discussed different deferment programs for seniors in the city.
A motion was made by Halvorson, seconded by Thompson to close the public hearing. The public
hearing was closed at 7:47 pm. Next a motion was made by Halvorson, seconded by Thompson to
adjourn the meeting at 7:47 pm.
Rick Getschow, Secretary
CITY COUNCIL
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December 4, 2006
Page 2
• ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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� A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on April 17, 2007, in the Council
Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
� Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Youakim and Halverson. Also,
present were staff inembers Getschow, Genellie, Stadler, Kerrigan, Anderson, Elverum,
Harkess, Reid, and City Attorney Jerry Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none.
III. OATH OF OFFICE
1. Police Sergeant Michael Glassberg
Michael Glassberg has been promoted to Sergeant. After Chief Reid read the order of
promotion, the City Clerk administered the oath of office to Sergeant Glassberg.
Sergeant Glassberg's wife, Erica, pinned his badge.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
� 1. Citizen's Academ Graduation
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Diplomas were presented to seventeen of the nineteen participants in this year's Citizen's
Academy. All graduates stated that they learned from their attendance.
2. Presentation: Hennepin County Volunteers & Community Partnerships,
Rosemary Carpenter
Ms. Carpenter gave an overview of the services that are provided by Hennepin County
Volunteers & Community Partnerships. Hennepin County needs volunteers to continue
providing the services. Mayor Maxwell asked if it is possible to have someone from the
Hennepin County Staff work in the Hopkins area one day per month. Ms. Carpenter said
that it could be talked about. They also have a training program and could train a person
from Hopkins to organize a program here. '
3. Presentation: 2006 Police Annual Report
Chief Reid started the report with three major goals that were identified for 2006. The
goals were vehicle noise in the downtown area, Blake Rd corridor projects, and year long
team traffic projects. Challenges in the department were low staff levels of patrol and
• dispatch staff, Blake Road corridor issues, and a 76% increase in calls for people in
mental health crisis. Chief Reid reviewed the statistics of 2006. During 2006, the
Department accomplished the following: two neighborhood team traffic projects, two
April 17, 2007 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
neighborhood team projects, Alert Drug Training in schools, Neighborhood liaison with 15 •
neighborhoods and apartment complexes, and progress on the Blake Rd Cocridor issues.
I �'� 4. Presentation, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Award �
City Manager Getschow and Director of Finance Harkess presented the "Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting" to the Mayor and City Council. The �
award is made by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and
I � Canada for the City's conformance with the strict criteria in completing the 2006
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
� V. CONSENT AGENDA
;
i 1. Minutes of April 3, 2007, City Council Meeting
2. Minutes of April 3, 2007 City Council Work Session
. 3. Minutes of April 10, 2007 City Council Work Session
4. Environmental Clean-up Grant Application, Excelsior Crossings (CR2007-044)
5. Environmental Clean-up Grant Application, 6 Ave and Mainstreet (CR2007-45)
6. Environmental Clean-up Grant Application, Marketplace and Main (CR2007-044)
7. Environnemental Investigative Grant Application, Dodge Site (CR2007-47)
8. Precinct Boundary and Polling Place Changes (CR2007-046)
9. Second Reading, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Pet Grooming in B-3 District
(Memo)
In response to Mayor Maxwell's request, the City Clerk reviewed the reasons for changing �
precinct boundary lines and polling places.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Hal�erson seconded a motion to
approve the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Youakim, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Zoning Amendment to Regulate Junk Vehicle Parking (CR2007-042)
The Zoning and Planning Commission has been reviewing proposed language on the
parking of junk cars in the business and industrial districts for several months. The
amendment is recommended to resolve the problem of having vehicles left parked on a
site for a long time while waiting for parts to repair the vehicle. At the current time, there
is not a time limit on how long a junk vehicle can be parked on the lot. The proposed
amendment would limit the amount of time to 30 days, unless the vehicle is being
processed for a sheriff's sale. The Zoning and Planning Commission recommended
a roval.
pp
� Council Member Halverson moved and Council Member Youakim seconded a motion to �;
adopt Resolution 2007-029, adopting Ordinance 2007-986, regulating the parking of junk
vehicles for first reading. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Youakim,
April 17, 2007 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
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� aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried '
unanimously.
. 2. Approve Zoning Amendment for Conditional Use Permits in I-2 District
(CR2007-043)
Last fall, the City Council placed a moratorium on conditional uses within the I-2 zoning
district. Although the moratorium was placed only on conditional uses, the review did
expand to the entire section of industrial uses. Ms. Anderson reviewed the major
changes to the ordinance and explained that the Commission wanted to remove "junk
yard" from the list of primary uses, accessory uses, and conditional uses. City Attorney
Jerry Steiner stated that if there were currently no junk yards in the City, the City could
remove the use. The Zoning and Planning Commission recommended approval.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Halverson seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2007-030, approving Ordinance 2007-987, amending the industrial
district uses for first reading. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Youakim, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Halverson moved and Council Member
Youakim seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by
• unanimous consent at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, �
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL IVIEMBERS
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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April 17, 2007 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
April 17, 2007
Page 1
MINUTES OF TI� CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
� AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, Apri117, 2007
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 8:40 pm. Present were Mayor Mu�we11 and Council
members Halverson and Youakim. City personnel present were City Manager Rick Getschow.
Shady Oak Road
City Manager Getschow stated that Mayor Maxwell will be attending a County Board briefing
regarding the Shady Oak Road project along with the Minnetonka mayor. The communities are
hoping to get the community works funding back into the project for 2008.
Rental Licensing
Council discussed being provided with more information related to the proposed Hopkins rental
licensing program enhancements prior to the next work session discussion.
GED Graduation
Council consensus was to not move the date or time of the June S regular council meeting for the
purpose of attending the GED graduation at 7pm.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Halvorson, seconded by Youakim to adjourn
the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.
�
Rick Getschow, Secretary
CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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� Apri124, 2007
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• MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — April 24, 2007
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene
Ma�cwell at 6:35 p.m. on April 24, 2007, at the Hopkins City Hall. Council members
Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Jay Thompson and Cheryl Youakim were present. City
personnel present were City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Steve
Stadler, Police Chief Craig Reid and Police Services Liaison Kathy Magdal. Also
present were Ron Helgeson and Doug Datta of the Park Board.
Park Board Update and Discussion
Park Board Strate i'g c Plan
Public Works Director Steve Stadler said the Park Board has identified goals for
its 2007-08 Strategic Plan. The first is to protect natural resources and passive open
spaces. They will use existing aerial maps to plot all city- and privately-owned natural,
open spaces in the city. The second is to renew and maintain parks. They will conduct a
resident survey, which is discussed further below. They will assign feasible replacement
frequencies and costs, and define 2008-2012 CIP projects. The third goal is to provide
quality athletic and recreational opportunities and facilities. This will include assessing
the trail system. On May 21 they will participate iri updating the Comprehensive Plan.
They will continue working with the Hopkins-Minnetonka Joint Recreation Board as well
as review facilities and programs not in that program: They will work with Hopkins
• Youth' Hockey on outdoor ice at Central Park. The fourth goal is to enhance long-term
Park Board development. They wish to increase public awareness of the Board
initiatives.
Ms. Youakim noted Buffer and Harley Hopkins Parks have no equipment though
it is allowable. Other parks could have benches but do not. She asked if the trails have
good connections to the parks; Mr. Stadler said a trail and sidewalk master plan was done
a few years ago. She asked if one park could be made "pet friendly," one where pets
would be leashed, but could at least get exercise. Mr. Stadler said he would look into it.
Mr. Getschow noted the open space mapping would include privately owned property so
the City can know what might be developed. Mayor M�well added perhaps some
property adjoining parks could be researched to be bought at a future date to enlarge
parks. He asked if Dave Johnson works with the Park Board between Joint Recreation
meetings. Mr. Stadler said he does. Mayor Malcwell asked about the 2010 Shady Oak
project. Mr. Getschow noted it is the biggest item in the CIP for parks, and it will take a
a big piece of the park dedication money. Mr. Stadler stated it would cost a total of
$540,000, with Hopkins' share being $180,000. Mayor MaYwell said he served on the
task force for the last major work there and feels one should be formed for this project.
He said Minnetonka had fronted the money and Hopkins had reimbursed them over
multiple payments. Would they do that again? Mr. Stadler will suggest it.
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Nei�hborhood Parks Improvement Plan '
The Park Board wants to get feedback by mailing a questionnaire to residents
within a half mile of a park, except for Cottageville Park as the Blake Corridor Wilder
Study is underway. The results would be the basis for a long-term improvement plan.
He showed a sample questionnaire. Ms. Youakim asked if there is a standard for acres of
park per so many people. Mr. Stadler said the National Park Association has set
guidelines, but they are not mandated. Answering Mayor Maxwell, Mr. Stadler said the
general city survey has around thirteen general questions on parks, but the Park Board
survey gets into specifics. The Board has discussed not raising expectations, and has
crafted their letter to say the Board is not promising anything but using the information
for planning purposes. Mayor Maxwell noted the Steiner property was not on the park
list. Mr. Stadler agreed it should be added as a natural resources area, Mr. Datta asked if
the land to be deeded to the city by Opus would be classed as park land. Mr. Stadler said
it could be classed as natural area as it is open. Mayor Ma�cwell noted the CIP amounts
go down to $3500 by 2012. Mr. Getschow stated that this is a conservative estimate
based on future redevelopment. The Mayor stated that another method may be needed to
support parks other than park dedicadon fees in the future. Mr. Getschow stated staff
could conduct an analysis on revenue sources for park, recreation, and open space uses
besides dedication fees. General Consensus was to do so.
i Mayor Maxwell asked about the agreement with Zion Lutheran about parking for
i Burnes Park. Mr. Stadler noted the ciry sweeps the lot twice a year and re-stripes it as
, needed as part of the agreement, which has run its course. He will talk to the new pastor
', about another long-term agreement. �
, Police Department Discussion Items
Dru� Paraphernalia
Police Chief Craig Reid said City Attorney Wynn Curtiss has researched the issue
and says the present tobacco ordinance can be extended to include "tobacco products,"
the term the store owners use to cover items used for drugs. Enforcement would be the
same as is done now. Staff had looked at the Bloomington ordinance that completely
; outlaws the sale of paraphernalia and found it not enforceable. He has not drafted an
� ordinance as he wants Council feedback before doing sa Ms. Youakim noted state
statute allows sale of a"pipe for tobacco" but not a"crack pipe." Mr. Rowan said his
main concern is the "not under the age of 18" rovision; Chief Reid a reed. Mr. Rowan
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j added he sees no difference between selling tobacco and selling tobacco products. Ms.
i Magdal noted the ordinance would avoid the court system. It would follow state
i mandates for compliance checks. Mr. Rowan asked how under-18 teens are recruited for
the compliance checks. Ms. Magdal said she uses teens she knows, teens from Reduce
the Use, etc. Chief Reid noted Polaroid photos are taken before they go to a tobacco shop
so police can show the teens did look younger than 18. General Consensus was for Chief
Reid to draft the ordinance.
Security Cameras
Chief Reid said the Minneapolis ordinance has standards for surveillance
cameras. He showed video clips taken by a cheap camera and a good one, noting good �
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• cameras allow deciphering of car license numbers. He noted the Hopkins ordinance
would be different in that it asks for car license numbers. Some local businesses do not
have cameras compatible with police equipment. A good place to start a camera
requirement would be the 24-hour businesses. Many drug transactions and assaults take
place on their parking lots. Hopkins police enforce the juvenile curfew. These incidents
involve young people 19- to 20-years old who gather in the parking lots in the small
hours of the morning. Ms. Youakim noted the Minneapolis ordinances uses "licensed
businesses." Would that be bars and tobacco shops? Chief Reid says he does not want to
"go there." He just wants the 24-hour businesses. If they had good cameras, many of the
crimes could be solved through car license numbers. Signage "this area under video
surveillance" is a deterrent. Ms. Youakim asked if the cameras would be internal and
external. Chief Reid said yes. Mr. Rowan asked if one camera would be enough. Chief
Reid said multiple cameras would be needed. Mr. Getschow asked if the businesses are
really fighting the idea or if they want to go to corporate headquarters and say "It is
required by the city." Chief Reid said he feels it is the latter. Mr. Rowan asked if the
police force has enough evidence to say "these are problem businesses" so the only
criterion is not they are open 24 hours. Chief Reid said he can show statistically these
businesses have crime in the early morning hours. He does not want to include other
businesses as he would not have the statistics to show the need for them. Ms. Youakim
asked if those businesses could close one hour to avoid the ordinance. Chief Reid said
Mr. Curtiss has said he can draft around that. Mr. Thompson asked about camera cost.
Chief Reid said stationary ones that would meet ordinance requirements are $650; outside
ones that do not get frosty lenses go up to $2800. The three businesses involved all could
• use inside cameras focused outside as they all have large windows. He would tell them
that by doing so, they save $4,000 compared to outside cameras. Mr. Rowan asked how
many would be needed. Chief Reid said Walgreens would need two to cover most of the
lot; White Castle would need one for the other side of the lot. He added Minneapolis has
had 400 arrests based on cameras. Not one went to court after the defense attorney saw
the video clips. Mr. Rowan asked about city cameras. Chief Reid says he is in the
process of studying the parking ramp so he can make recommendations. Mr. Rowan said
he feels if we ask businesses to use cameras, the city must also do so. Mr. Getschow
noted cameras are in City Hall and the Art Center and asked about their quality. Chief
Reid said the City Hall ones are good. Mr. Rowan said he would like the city to help the
businesses with expertise or money. Mr. Thompson agreed. Mr. Getschow asked if
grants could be available. Chief Reid said Minneapolis had gotten Target grants. Target
presently helps Hopkins by developing their film without cost. He will ask about grants.
Ms. Youakim said she doesn't want general fund money used as it would lead other
businesses to demand help. Mr. Thompson suggested a crime prevention fund might be
the answer. Ms. Magdal noted that this is not about clients as clients are not outside the
businesses. Mr. Getschow noted that an argument can be made for no direct city funding
if statistics show being open 24 hours makes businesses a magnet for activity and the
need for more police resources, then it becomes a business expense as that is their choice
to be open all night. He feels technology assistance is a better way to help than money.
General Consensus was to draft the ordinance and look into ways to help. Mayor
M�well noted that getting prices, etc. for the businesses would be one way to help.
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April 24, 2007 °
Page 4
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Other
Mr. Rowan asked Chief Reid about the Mainstreet School for the Arts robbery.
Chief Reid supplied background information.
Mr. Thompson asked that congratulatory letters be sent to Jeffrey Shockley,
National Merit scholar, and to the 8�' grade Hopkins team that took third place in the First
Lego League World Festival.
Ms. Youakim talked about the Jones' fire Monday afternoon, noting by 7:00 p.m.
neighbors had found housing, furniture, clothes, etc. for them.
Mr. Getschow noted the Hopkins Crossroads closing at the Highway 73/Highway
5 bridge.
The only bid for the Surge property was too low. Rejection of the bid will be on
the consent agenda next Tuesday. He suggested using an MLS listing. Mr. Thompson
noted there should not be a set price, but "$1 or more up to $ " Mayor Maxwell
added not enough publiciry had been done this time. General Consensus was not to rush
the sale just to get it sold.
Mr. Getschow noted that at the last Council meeting Hennepin County had given
a presentation on volunteer programs. Family Resource Center has already contacted
them to set something up in Hopkins.
At the legislature, t�es and transportation are "veto issues." The tax bills of the
House and Senate are very different. The House version of the smoking ban includes �
smoking rooms by city permits. This unfunded mandate is a concern.
On motion by Ms. Halverson and second by Mr. Thompson, the meeting
adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a vote of 5-0.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AT'TEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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