IV.2. Minutes of the January 2, 2019 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 7:29 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,
Gadd and Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance
Director Bishop, Director of Planning and Development Elverum, Assistant City
Manager Lenz, Public Works Director Stadler and Community Development Coordinator
Youngquist.
Community Development
Director of Planning and Development Elverum and Community Development
Coordinator Youngquist discussed the draft of a Fair Housing Policy and Tenant
Protection Ordinance. Ms. Youngquist commented that the policy would assist the City
when applying for Livable Community Grant funds. Ms. Youngquist commented that the
policy would reaffirm the City’s commitment to fair housing and provide staff with
internal practices. The Policy is scheduled to be on the January 15 City Council agenda.
Ms. Youngquist discussed the Tenant Protection Ordinance, protection for displacement
of tenants, sales of affordable rental buildings and the definition of affordable housing.
Ms. Youngquist discussed the 90-day transition period and relocation guidelines. Staff
has studied the ordinances and penalties of other communities and has worked through
the language in the Ordinance. Staff would continue to work on how to publicize and
administer the Ordinance. The Ordinance is scheduled to be on a February City Council
agenda. There was discussion about affordable rents and Council commented that the
policy and ordinance is a good step for the City. Mayor Cummings asked about the
Drug-Free Crime-Free housing policies. Staff commented that Hopkins has a process in
place and that staff would continue to discuss best practices. Council can address any
questions or comments with staff.
Ms. Elverum updated that Council on commercial properties for sale and sold in
Hopkins. Ms. Elverum commented that there continues to be a lot of interest in the
Hopkins market.
Public Works and Finance
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the City Hall construction budget. Due to some
changes the bids and quotes came in 4% higher. The bids are scheduled to be awarded
at the January 8 Special Council Meeting. Finance Director Bishop discussed the total
amount of bonding and increase in the levy for the project. Mr. Bishop discussed the
funding sources and commented that a portion of the project is included in the Capital
Improvement Project (CIP) fund. Mayor Cummings asked about the Franchise Fees.
Mr. Bishop discussed the increase to Franchise Fees and how the funds are used.
Assistant City Manager Lenz discussed Communication Fund categories and use of the
funds. Council Member Halverson asked about upgrades to the software. Ms. Lenz
commented that the plan is to upgrade software to high definition.
City Council
Mayor Cummings visited “The Caterers”
Administration:
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
Council should review the Legislative Policy and let staff know if there are any
questions, changes or suggestions.
The Hopkins Police banquet is Thursday, January 10.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Gadd, seconded by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk