IV.3. Minutes of the October 16, 2018 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting ProceedingsMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 7:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
1010 First Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Members Kuznia, Halverson
and Gadd attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Director of Planning
and Development Elverum and Public Works Director Stadler.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the pilot organics program. After the yard
waste site closes for the season labeled carts for organic recycling would be located at
Public Works. Program information would be published in the November Highlights.
Staff is waiting to hear about the grant request to continue to move the program forward
in 2019. Mayor Cummings commented that she has heard from residents who are
excited about the organics recycling program.
Community Development
Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the potential purchase of
properties by an investment group that include the Driskill’s Downtown Market. Staff met
with the potential buyers regarding their long-range plans for development. Staff
commented that a grocery store is valued in town and that any development would need
to match the character of the downtown. Ms. Elverum commented that Driskill’s has
approximately 4½ years remaining on the current lease. There was Council discussion
about the need for a grocery store and preservation of historic storefronts. There was
discussion of the standards and restrictions of a historic district or local preservation
ordinance. Staff would keep the Council updated.
Ms. Elverum discussed public art at the LRT stations. Staff identified the Blake and
Downtown stations as priorities for installation of public art. The Public Art Committee
provided suggestions for art installations. Ms. Elverum commented that the Blake
Station area location could potentially benefit from additional funding.
Ms. Elverum commented that St. Gabriel Catholic Church – St. Joe’s Campus is selling
a vacant piece of land. The selling price is $2 million and housing would be allowed
under the current zoning. Neighboring property owners at Citigables have expressed
concerns about the possible size of a future development. Staff is thinking about
opportunities for the site.
There was discussion about the Firestone and Hitching Post sites. Ms. Elverum
commented that nothing is confirmed for either location.
Mayor Cummings commented that the PPL project, Oxford Village, is a finalist for a
ReScape Award and Council has been invited to attend the ceremony.
City Council
Council Member Kuznia and Council Member Gadd would like to attend the
ReScape award ceremony.
Council Member Kuznia would be bagging groceries for tips at Cub Foods on
October 20 to benefit ResourceWest.
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Council Member Halverson discussed bike light confusion and concerns at 8
Avenue N. and Mainstreet.
Council Member Gadd was contacted by a Citigables resident regarding concerns of
a potential property development on vacant land near Citigables.
Council Member Gadd discussed a communication he received regarding the
stoplight cycle near Cargill. The concerns have been forwarded to staff.
Council Member Gadd discussed the Minutes from the October 9, 2018 City Council
Work Session. Council Member Gadd discussed the Work Session discussions and
wanted to ensure clarity for staff. Mr. Mornson commented that staff discussed the
proposed auto-oriented business zoning changes. City Planner Lindahl would work
on the basic ordinance and would bring it back to Council in December before the
proposed ordinance goes out to the business owners. There was discussion about
the proposal for increasing inclusivity on boards and commissions. Mayor Cummings
commented that the intent was to stimulate thoughts, consolidate efforts and
continue discussion on developing a plan on how to deal with encouraging diversity
on boards and commissions. Council Member Gadd commented that there was not
consensus on offering a stipend. Mayor Cummings commented that more research
is needed and that it would be good to get feedback from the new City Council
member. Mr. Mornson commented that staff is not developing a plan at this time.
There was further discussion about Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative (HREI) being
supportive of the efforts to diversify boards and commission. There was discussion
about creating a pamphlet/stand alone information that could be easily distributed to
those interested in board or commission positions. Council consensus was to amend
the last sentence of the Inclusivity Opportunities on Boards & Commissions section
of the Work Session minutes to read:
Council would consider the suggestions to focus on diversifying the boards and
commissions.
Mayor Cummings would be bagging groceries for ICA on Wednesday, November
21.
Mayor Cummings discussed recent and upcoming meetings and conferences.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
Staff would be meeting with Doran Properties.
Council would be receiving an email regarding a City Manager Assessment.
Next Council meeting is Monday, November 5.
Update on scheduled vacation time.
The Artery project could be receiving an award. Mr. Mornson would keep the Council
updated.
Discussion of upcoming conferences and meetings.
Discussion of the Goal Setting meeting agenda, facilitator and topics for Friday,
January 11, 2019. Council consensus is to schedule an outside facilitator with
infrastructure and financial consultant updates. Staff would schedule City Attorney
Riggs to present legal topics (legal challenges, implications, technology) at a future
Work Session. The new Council Member orientation would include an educational
piece by City Attorney Riggs.
Taste of Hopkins and State of the City scheduled for January 31, 2019.
There was discussion regarding the annual spring events, Hopkins Academy Alumni
Event and Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Council agreed to hold the separate events
every other year with the Alumni event in 2019 and Volunteer Recognition in 2020.
Update on the City Council meeting schedule during the City Hall remodel.
Update on the budget meetings. Finance Director Bishop would be presenting a
quarterly update at the City Council meeting, continued discussion of the CIP and
ERP at the November Work Session and the Truth in Taxation is scheduled for
December 4, 2018.
There was discussion regarding the additional police officer request by the Police
Department. Council consensus was that more discussion was needed and to hold
off on adding the position in the middle of a budget year but continue to plan for the
future and look at the big picture. Mr. Mornson would advise the Police Chief to
present a proposal to Council in the fall of 2019.
There was discussion of the City Council vacancy interview questions and interview
process. Council would review the applications and submit their top 5 candidates to
Assistant City Manager by October 31.
Mr. Mornson updated the Council on his service to the LMC Board.
Overview of projects planned for 2019. Mayor Cummings asked how two-year street
projects are assessed. Staff would investigate. Council Member Halverson asked
about year two of the Blake Road project. Staff would update the Council.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, seconded by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk