Updates to Legislative Policy – Chapter 8; Stanley
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Nate Stanley, City Engineer
Date: February 12, 2019
Subject: Updates to Legislative Policy – Chapter 8
_____________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
Revise Legislative Policy Chapter 8, which governs street construction, maintenance
and special assessments for street improvements.
INFORMATION
In the years since the language in Chapter 8 was developed there have been updates
and decisions regarding the City’s street reconstruction and maintenance programs.
Staff felt it was prudent now to update the policy so that the language is consistent with
city practices moving forward.
A redline markup copy showing proposed changes is attached to this memorandum
along with a clean copy for review. Although the entire chapter was reviewed, the
majority of the changes are proposed to Policy 8-B, Roadway Improvements.
FUTURE ACTION
I would like to use this opportunity to get input regarding the proposed changes and
have the City Council take action officially updating the policy in February or March of
2019.
Engineering Dept.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8
LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL
CHAPTER VIII
Policy 8-A Requests for Traffic Controls
Policy 8-B Roadway Improvements
Policy 8-C Other Local Improvements
Policy 8-D Solid Waste Collection
Policy 8-E Storm Water Utility Credits and/or Adjustments
Policy 8-F Snow and Ice Control
Policy 8-G Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance
Policy 8-H Street Restoration Reimbursement for Private Utility Repairs
Policy 8-I Complete Street Policy
Revised: May 2013
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-A 1
POLICY 8-A
REQUESTS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROLS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The City receives requests from time to time for additional or modified traffic control
measures. This policy is intended to outline policies and procedures dealing with those
requests.
2. REQUESTS
2.01 Requests for traffic controls should be made in writing to the City of Hopkins. The requests
should detail the types of controls desired, problems with the current controls, if any, and
any additional information needed to explain or justify the request.
2.02 If the request is made to a staff member, the request should be forwarded to the Engineer.
The Engineer shall prepare a memo to the Council indicating the request, if warranted. The
Council should consider the request and authorize an Engineers study if desired.
2.03 The Engineer, if so authorized, shall prepare an Engineers Report to the Council indicating
the current status of conditions. The level of justification of improvements, the cost of
providing improvements and recommending action on the request.
2.04 The Council upon receiving the report shall have discretion to ultimately decide on the
action to be taken and so instruct staff.
2.05 Upon Council action, an official response to the requester shall be drafted by the Engineer
and forwarded to the requester.
Established 8/18/87
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 1
POLICY 8-B
ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
INDEX
1. PURPOSE
2. GENERAL
3. DEFINITIONS
4. STATE HIGHWAYS
5. COUNTY ROADS
6. MUNICIPAL STATE AID STREETS
7. MAJOR STREETS
8. LOCAL STREETS
9. ALLEYS
10. ASSESSMENT POLICIES
11. ASSESSMENT FORMULAS
12. ASSESSMENT INTEREST RATE
Revised: December 2012
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 2
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of these policies is to establish guidelines and procedures for the improvement
of roadways within the City of Hopkins.
2. GENERAL
2.01 This policy relates to roadway improvements eligible to be assessed under authorization of
Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 429.021.
2.02 Assessable roadway improvement projects shall conform with the procedural requirements
of Chapter 429 which generally are as follows:
1. Project Initiation by Petition or Council Resolution
2. Resolution Ordering Preparation of Engineers Report
3. Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Ordering a Hearing
4. Publication and Individual Notification of Hearing
5. Public Hearing
6. Resolution Ordering Improvement
7. Resolution Ordering the Preparation of Assessment Roll
8. Public Notice of Hearing on Assessments
9. Assessment Hearing
10. Resolution Adopting Assessment Roll
11. Filing of Assessments with Hennepin County
2.03 In addition to special assessments, other sources of funds are available to the City for street
purposes depending on the type of project involved.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.01 The City of Hopkins contains various types of roadways. Descriptions of the City's street
classifications are outlined as follows:
State Highways This category includes highways with various designs and traffic
capacities. Rights of way are from 150' to 400'. These highways are
intended for national or regional service. All of the highways in this
category have been designated as principle, intermediate, or minor
arterials by the Metropolitan Council.
Thoroughfares These are important traffic routes which provide community continuity
and interconnect the City with neighboring communities. They are
usually spaced at one mile intervals, although they may be closer in
more heavily developed areas. When upgraded these roadways will
generally have 100' rights-of-way and be of sufficient design to handle
anticipated traffic.
Collectors Streets which are designed to collect traffic from individual properties
and feed into thoroughfares. They have 60-80' rights-of-way with 7 or 9
ton capacity and are generally spaced at one-half mile intervals.
Local Relatively short streets which provide access to individual lots in
interior areas of development. Minimum right of way is 50-60'.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 3
Cul-de-sac Dead-end streets usually designed with a maximum length of 500' and a
turn around area of 120' diameter at the property line. They generally are
constructed in interior residential developments.
Service Road Streets which run parallel and adjacent to a high volume roadway. They
are designed to serve individual properties along streets where it is
desirable to control access.
Alley Roadways which are generally 12-20 feet in right-of-way width which
service properties on the rear property line.
4. STATE HIGHWAYS
4.01 The State Highways within the City of Hopkins are Highway No. 7 and Highway No. 169.
State highway projects generally do not directly involve city funds. However, associated
improvements such as storm sewer or water trunks may be initiated so that future
construction under these highways will not be needed.
5. COUNTY ROADS
5.01 The Hennepin Countycounty roads in Hopkins are:
Blake Road (#20)
Excelsior Avenue (#3)
Hopkins Crossroad (#73)
Minnetonka Boulevard (#5)
Shady Oak Road (#61)
5.02 These roads were originally designed as part of the county's highway system and
were meant to link rural areas with the urban centers. As Hopkins developed, these roads have
become an important part of the network of city streets. However many of these county roads
need to be upgraded in order to facilitate present and future traffic demand. Since this type of
improvement is needed in part because of increased urban use it has been the county policy to
share the cost of the project with the city. Costs shared in this manner shall adhere to the
current version of the Hennepin County Public Works Business Line Transportation
Department Policies for Cost Participation Between Hennepin County and Other Agencies for
Cooperative Highway Projects.include:
1. Curb and Gutter
2. Traffic Controls
3.1.Storm Drainage
5.03 Payment of the City portion of projects may be assessed and/or paid by City funds.
Formatted: Outline numbered + Level: 2 + Numbering Style:
01, 02, 03, … + Start at: 2 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0"
+ Indent at: 0.29"
Formatted: Subdivision, Space After: 0 pt, No bullets or
numbering
Formatted: Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, 2,
3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.5" +
Indent at: 0.75"
Formatted: Space After: 3 pt, Numbered + Level: 1 +
Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
Aligned at: 0.5" + Indent at: 0.75"
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 4
6. MUNICIPAL STATE AID (MSA) STREETS
6.01 Recent regulations allow a municipality to designate up to 20% of its existing street
mileage, excluding county state aid highways and state trunk highways as MSA streets.
The City of Hopkins currently has approximately 9.60 miles designated as MSA streets.
The City receives MSA funds on an annual basis and are allotted for maintenance and
construction of MSA streets. This money is part of the gasoline tax collected in Minnesota
and is apportioned to the community according to state guidelines based on population and
constructionroad needs. Maintenance funds are sent automatically to the City each year
while the construction funds are held in an account by the state until the time construction
contracts are awarded.
6.02 The following are MSA streets:
Street From To
Mainstreet Co. Rd. #61 5th Ave.
(Shady Oak Rd.)
St. Louis St . County Road #3 Tyler Ave. No.
(Excelsior Blvd.)
Tyler Ave. No. St. Louis Street 2nd St. N.E.
1st St. No. 8th Avenue 12th Avenue.
1st St. So. 11th Ave. So. 8th Ave. So.
5th St. So. 16th Ave. So. 11th Ave. So.
5th St. So. 10th Ave. So. State Highway No. 169
6th St. So. 11th Ave. So. 10th Ave. So.
7th St. So. 9th Ave. So. Alley W of 14th Ave. So.
Oakridge Rd. City Limits State Highway No. 7
5th Ave. No. State Highway No. 7 Mainstreet
5th Ave. So. Mainstreet 3rd St. So.
6th Ave. So. 3rd Street So. 5th St. So.
8th Ave. No. 1st St. No. Mainstreet
8th Ave. So. Mainstreet Co. Rd. #3
11th Ave. No. 1st Street No. Mainstreet
11th Ave. So. Mainstreet Smetana Rd.
12th Ave. No. State Highway No. 7 1st St. No.
17th Ave. No. State Highway No. 7 Mainstreet
17th Ave. So. Mainstreet Co. Rd. #3
Smetana Rd. West City Limits .38 Mi. E of 11th Ave. So.
Minnetonka Mills Road 5th Avenue North Washington Avenue
2nd Street North Washington Avenue Tyler Avenue North
Blake Road Excelsior Boulevard South City Limits
6.03 It is not the intent of the State Aid Funding Program to totally finance the MSA system.
Rather, it is designed to assist communities with street construction projects in an effort to
improve the roadway system state wide. Therefore, when an MSA street is constructed or
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 5
upgraded, assessments will be levied in accordance with citythe policies for major streets.
The assessment rate will reflect the benefit conveyed by the improved design, additional
width, and curb and gutter, and these rates will be set by the City Council on
recommendation of the Public Works Director.
7. MAJOR STREETS
7.01 Major streets are considered by the City of Hopkins to be collector and thoroughfare
streets. Streets of this variety generally service local traffic as well as traffic from other
areas and therefore are designed in accordance with standards of a higher road capacity.
Major streets within the City of Hopkins are constructed with a minimum capacity of 9 ton
per axle. The primary source of funding for major roadways is special assessments and
MSA funds.
7.02 Major new and reconstructed streets shall be constructed with curb and gutter. Street
width shall be determined by existing conditions, traffic counts and patterns, and, if
applicable, MSA standards.
8. LOCAL STREETS
8.01 Local Streets are generally streets which service a small area and do not typically involve a
movement of traffic between areas. Local streets typically connect two collector streets or
county roads. Streets of this type include local streets, cul-de-sacs, and service roads.
Local streets within the City of Hopkins are constructed with a minimum capacity of 7 tons
per axle. The primary source of funding of local streets is special assessments.
8.02 New local streets shall be constructed with curb and gutter. When reconstructing streets
concrete curb and gutter shall be installed. in the following instances:
1. All streets with existing concrete curb and gutter or existing vertical asphalt curb.
2. All Municipal State Aid streets
3. Local streets without curb and gutter in a defined residential area where the predominance
of existing streets have concrete curb and gutter
4. Other local streets without curb and gutter unless the neighborhood presents a petition of
55% or more of the affected residents objecting to concrete curb and gutter. The affected
residents or affected area will be defined by City Council. If a petition is presented, the
street shall be reconstructed in such a way that the current design/appearance of the street
(prior to reconstruction) is maintained. Once a petition from the affected residents is
certified and accepted by City Council, that petition will remain in effect for the affected
area until City Council rescinds the petition or changes this legislative policy. If a petition
of 55% is not presented to City Council and the local streets are reconstructed with curb
and gutter, subsequent street reconstruction in the same affected area will also be
reconstructed with curb and gutter.
8.03 New local street minimum unobstructed street width, (face to face of curb) is 30 feet. The
standard minimum unobstructed street width for reconstructed streets shall be 26 feet.
Streets which do not meet this requirement shall be reconstructed to meet the minimum
requirementat current width (unless a wider street is desired by the affected residents) but
not less than twenty feet (20') unless the Council finds that:
Reconstruction to the minimum A twenty foot (20') width would adversely affect trees
Formatted: Subdivision, Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0",
Space After: 0 pt
Formatted: Subdivision, Indent: Left: 0", First line: 0"
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 6
or other significant or desirable physical features;: and
A reduced unobstructed street width would not constitute a distinct hazard to life or
property.
Factors to be considered shall include, but not be limited to, safe access of emergency
vehicles, snow storage requirements, availability of parking, and aesthetics.
8.04 Streets which are twenty-six feet (26') or more in width will have parking allowed on both
sides, unless it is determined by City Staff that parking restrictions are necessary. . Streets
less than twenty-six feet (26') in width may be subject to parking restrictions on an "as -
needed" basis. Factors influencing parking restrictions may include, but not be limited to,
safety concerns, emergency vehicle access, sight distance problems, neighborhood input, or
street maintenance needs. Parking restrictions could be established at the time of street
projects or at any future date based upon general City parking requirements.
Factors to be considered shall include, but not be limited to, staff report regarding safety
and emergency vehicles access and neighborhood input.
Where streets are less than twenty-six feet (26') in width, the staff shall assist the
neighborhood in identifying areas where existing street width can be increased to provide
additional parking.
9. ALLEYS
9.01 Alleys are minor roadways which service parcels of property along the rear property line.
The primary source of funding of alleys is special assessments.
9.02 All alleys shall be concrete construction. Alley width is generally 10 feet in residential
areas and 12 feet in commercial areas.
10. ASSESSMENT POLICIES
10.01 When assessments are levied for roadway improvements, the assessment will be calculated
in accordance with the formulas set forth in the section on Assessment Formulas, using
either the adjusted front foot method or per lot unit method. The adjusted front foot method
will be used for assessment purposes unless the per lot/unit method is requested by petition
by at least 55% of the assessed property owners and/or it is determined that the affected
lots have received equal benefits. The City Council shall have final authority on the type of
formula to be used.
10.02 The total project cost for streets constructed or reconstructed in any given project shall be
equal to the actual construction cost, plus associated costs such as legal, bonds,
administrative and engineering.
10.03 When the city CONSTRUCTS A NEW LOCAL OR MAJOR STREET, 100% of the total
project cost, including all utilities, will be recovered by assessing the benefiting property
for actual benefit received. A new street shall be defined as a roadway including curb and
gutter which had not previously existed.
10.04 When the city RECONSTRUCTS AN EXISTING LOCAL OR MAJOR STREET, 70% of
the total project cost will be recovered by assessing the benefiting property for benefit
received. The remaining 30% shall be absorbed by the city. A reconstructed street shall be
defined as a roadway which existed previously. The addition of curb and gutter when it did
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 7
not previously exist is still considered reconstruction.
10.05 When the city CONSTRUCTS OR RECONSTRUCTS AN ALLEY, 80% of the total
project cost will be recovered by assessing the benefiting property for benefit received. The
remaining 20% shall be absorbed by the city.
10.06 When major street construction or reconstruction is partially financed by State Aid Funds
to improve the design and capacity, the adjoining properties will be charged an assessment
as prescribed in this policybased on the cost of an average street construction. The
remainder of the street costs shallto be paid by State Aid Funds or General Funds.
10.07 The following assessment policies will apply for existing single family property when a
major street is improved:
1. Existing single family residential property abutting two or four lane divided median
roads will be assessed using the adjusted front footage method, based on 1/4 of the cost
of a standard local street as if built at the time of the assessment.
2. Existing single family residential property abutting two or four lane undivided roads
will be assessed using the adjusted front footage method, based on 1/2 of the cost of a
standard local street as if built at the time of the assessment.
10.08 Lots which are split subsequent to a roadway improvement project shall be assessed as if in
existence at the time the assessment was adopted, using the formula used at the time of
assessment plus interest as per current City policy from date of assessment.
10.09 The following items are to be assessable as part of a reconstruction project cost:
1. Remove concrete curb and gutter
2. Remove concrete pavement
3. Remove/replace concrete steps
4. Construct and reinforce concrete steps
5. Remove concrete driveway pavement
6. Remove/construct apron 6" thick concrete pavement (residential)
7. Remove/construct apron 8" thick concrete pavement (commercial)
8. Common excavation
9. Core excavation
10. Construct cConcrete curb and gutterC & G Design B-618 or surmountable
11. Bituminous pavement
10.12.Concrete Pavement
11.13.Saw joint in concrete
12.14.Adjust manholes
13.15.Adjust catch basin
14.16.Adjust gate valves
15.17.Retaining wall
16.18.Electric conduit
17.19.Construct 4' x 8" thick valley cone gutter
18.20.Surfacing aggr. Cl. 2 100% crushed
19.21.Cultured sod with 4" thick topsoil in place
20.22.Clearing
21.23.Grubbing
22.24.Aggregate backfill
23.25.Replacement of driveway aprons
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 8
24.26.Construct concrete pedestrian ramps
25.27.Full-depth asphalt milling and overlay
28. Pavement reclamation
10.10 The following items are to be assessable at 50% of the actual cost as part of a
reconstruction project:
1. Sanitary sewer service line replacement from the main to the property line
2. Water service line replacement from the main to the property line
26.
10.110 The following items would not be included in a reconstruction project cost. The items will
be billed directly or assessed to the benefited property:
1. Sewer and water service line repairs
2. Random 6-8" concrete pavement
3. Random concrete sidewalk
4. Random sod
10.121 The following items will be paid at city expense when part of a reconstruction project:
1. Remove, replace or relocate hydrants
2. Install hydrants and/or gate valves
3. Sanitary sewer and water mains repair and replacement
4. Storm sewer reconstruction or construction
11. ASSESSMENT FORMULAS
11.01 The adjusted front foot method of assessment uses the actual frontage or adjusts lots to an
average frontage by using area ratios or the average lot frontage in the project area. When
the adjusted front foot method is used, the individual lot assessment shall be calculated as
follows:
Assessment = Total Project Cost X Assessable Adjusted Front
Total Adjusted Footage of Lot
Front Footage
11.02 The per lot/unit method of assessment is intended to simplify the assessment process by
assuming that all properties to be assessed will receive equal benefits. When the per
lot/unit method is used, the individual lot assessment shall be calculated as follows:
Assessment = Total Project Cost
Number of Lots
11.03 The adjusted front foot is calculated using the following methods:
1. In the RECTANGULAR BLOCK AREAS of the city the adjusted front footage for
street or alley construction is the actual footage of the lot abutting the improvement.
Side streets in these areas are assessed to the entire block on an adjusted front foot
basis. See Figure A.
East-West alleys, north or south of Mainstreet are assessed 7 feet to Mainstreet
properties and 5 feet to the balance of the block on an adjusted front foot basis.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.7", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets
or numbering
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.7", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets
or numbering
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 9
2. In the ODD-SHAPE LOT AREAS the following methods are used:
a. In areas where the MAJORITY of lots are odd-shaped, the adjusted front footage
of a lot is determined as follows:
Area of Lot Project
Adjusted Front Footage = Total Area X Centerline
of Assessable Footage
Lots
Adjusted front footage minimum is 100 feet and maximum is 150 feet using this
method.
b. In areas where the MINORITY of lots are odd-shaped, the adjusted front footage
for the odd-shaped lots is determined by the average actual front footage of the
rectangular lots assessed.
Adjusted front footage maximum is 150 feet using this method.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 10
11.04 Assessment Caps
1. Maximum per foot assessment. The maximum per foot assessment amount to single
family residential properties (single unit or duplex unit) may not exceed the
assessment cap.120% of the average per foot assessment on the previous three similar
street reconstruction projects. This cap applies only to total street reconstruction costs
(public improvements) and the associated assessments. It does not apply to partial
reconstruction, i.e. curb replacement and asphalt overlay or full-depth milling/overlay
or other assessable roadway improvements. The cost of special neighborhood requests
which are non-standard construction items are excluded when comparing the current
project assessment to the assessment cap amount. The project feasibility report will
include the per foot assessment cap amount. The assessment cap will increase at a rate
of three percent (3%) per year to account for inflation.
2. Multiple Assessments. There shall be a maximum of two (2) concurrent special
assessments for street or alley improvement to any single family residential properties
(single unit or duplex unit) within any 10-year period. Volunteer assessment, i.e.
assessments petitioned by property owners, do not apply to the maximum.
Assessments created by road/alley construction or reconstruction deemed as
emergency work by the City Council do not apply to the maximum.
11.05 In certain unusual cases assessments may be determined by a "fair" comparison to other
assessed property or through an independent benefit appraisal. This will be determined by
the Engineering Division of Public Works and can be appealed to the City Council.
12. ASSESSMENT INTEREST RATE
12.01 Following approval of the assessment roll by the City Council, assessments not paid within
the timeframe established by the City Council plus 30 days shall bear interest at 2% over
the True Interest Cost (TIC) of the bonds sold to finance the project.
12.02 If bonds are not sold in a timely enough fashion to establish the TIC, the assessments shall
bear interest at 2% over the anticipated TIC of the bonds sold to finance the project.
Established 11/03/87
Revised 04/15/97
Revised 12/15/1998
Revised 04/20/2004
Revised 12/18/2012
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 11
FIGURE A
ASSESSING POLICIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS
IN RECTANGULAR BLOCK AREAS
Improvements in this block
assessed to abutting properties on
the basis of adjusted front footage
Improvements on side streets
assessed to abutting blocks on
the basis of adjusted front
footage
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 1
POLICY 8-C
OTHER LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of these policies is to establish guidelines and procedures for improvements
within the City of Hopkins.
2. GENERAL
2.01 This policy relates to improvements eligible to be assessed under authorization of
Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 429.021.
2.02 Assessable improvement projects shall conform to the procedural requirements of Chapter
429 which generally are as follows:
a. Project initiation by petition or Council resolution
b. Resolution ordering preparation of Engineers Report
c. Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Ordering a Hearing
d. Publication and individual notification of hearing
e. Public Hearing
f. Resolution Ordering Improvement
g. Resolution Ordering the Preparation of Assessment Roll
h. Public Notice of Hearing on assessments
i. Assessment Hearing
j. Resolution Adopting Assessment Roll
k. Filing of Assessments with Hennepin County
3. SEWER AND WATER
3.01 The following method shall be used in distributing costs on sewer and water
improvements:
a. Connections are charged to parcels where they are actually located. Costs of work
done in front of properties (laterals) are charged to the abutting property either on a
front foot basis, or an average width of lot basis, or an equal division basis. Costs of
installations which are "shared" such as ends of blocks, necessary mains, lift stations,
manholes, etc., are charged to all benefiting property on an area basis. Sometimes
areas which lie close to the improvement are charged on a higher basis than more
remote areas.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 2
4. DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
4.01 The following method shall be used in distributing costs on drainage improvements:
a. The City policy is to pay for all street and alley storm sewers from the general fund.
Any new surface or reconstruction of existing surface would be assessed as otherwise
herein defined.
5. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
5.01 Definition: "Fire protection system" means pipes, standpipes, sprinklers, control systems,
hydrants, and other devices and equipment installed in or outside a building for the primary
purpose of eliminating or reducing the spread of fire in the building or providing for safe
evacuation of the building, whether the devices and equipment are publicly or privately
owned.
5.02 Policy: The City of Hopkins, at its sole discretion, may honor petitions to construct,
reconstruct, alter, extend, operate, maintain and promote fire protection systems in existing
buildings under the following conditions:
1. The project meets the requirements of Minnesota State Statute 429.031.
2. The total amount of petitions honored for a given calendar year do not exceed
$200,000.00.
5.03 Petitions will be honored on a first come, first serve basis. If the amounts requested exceed
dollars allocated for that year the petitions will be placed on a list and honored the
following year in order of greatest need using the following criteria:
1. Orders issued by the City requiring the work or its' equivalency be done.
2. Financial hardship by the requesting company such as not being able to qualify for a
loan to do the work.
5.04 Procedures:
1. A petition or letter of application shall be submitted and signed by all owners of the
property.
2. The petition shall also contain the plans and specifications for the improvement, the
estimated cost of the improvement and a statement indicating whether the City or the
owner will contract for the construction of the improvement.
3. If the owner is contracting for the construction of the improvement, the City shall not
approve the petition until it has reviewed and approved the plans, specifications, and
cost estimates contained in the petition.
4. The construction cost financed under Section 429.091 shall not exceed the amount of
the cost estimate contained in the petition.
5. The petitioner may request abandonment of the improvement at any time after it has
been ordered pursuant to Section 429.041 Subdivision 1 and before contracts have
been awarded for the construction of the improvement under Section 429.041,
Subdivision 2. If such a request is received, the City Council shall abandon the
proceedings but in such case the petitioner shall reimburse the City for any and all
expenses incurred by the City in connection with the improvement.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 3
6. The cost of the improvements plus an administrative fee of 5% or $100.00, whichever
is greater, will be assessed to the petitioning property owner under the provisions of
Section 429. The length of the assessment shall not exceed 10 years and the interest
rate shall not exceed 8%.
6. RESIDENTIAL STREET LIGHTING
6.01 General: This policy applies to residential street lighting erected within the public right-of-
way for the purpose of lighting public streets.
6.02 Residential street lighting should, by definition, provide adequate illumination for
information relative to the street geometry, to objects or activities within the street, and to
objects or activities in areas immediately adjacent to the street.
6.03 Due to the inability of street lights to provide good security illumination and due to public
funding limitations, personal or neighborhood security lighting requests shall be reviewed
as to conformance to the warrants made a part of this policy. In a case where a request for
personal or neighborhood security lighting does not meet the warrants, it shall be
recommended that those persons desiring that lighting should purchase such lighting from
the local power utility. Such lighting may be installed on public right-of-way or on private
property. All such installations on the public right-of-way shall require a permit from the
City. Any lights that may overlap proposed or existing lighting, are too close per the City
standards or are deemed hazardous or unnecessary for traffic safety will not be
recommended for installation. Traffic safety shall mean both vehicle and pedestrian safety.
6.04 Warrants: Upon receiving a request or petition to install residential street lighting, an
engineering evaluation shall be made of the subject location to determine whether that
location warrants installation of such lighting. Such additional residential lighting is
warranted when any of the following conditions are present:
- Existing at grade intersection
- Existing crosswalk or trail intersection with street
- Cul-de-sac or dead end street more than 300 feet long
- Where the luminare spacing using 100 watt high pressure sodium lighting is more than +
tolerance 200 to 225 feet (provides 0.4 foot candle recommended average illumination).
- Where hazardous conditions exist due to limited sight distance caused by vertical and/or
horizontal alignment of the roadway and/or other roadway environment conditions.
6.05 Street Light Request: Street lights will be considered upon receipt of a petition from
property owners on the affected street, or upon recommendation of the City Council or of
the engineer. Consideration will be given only when such petition, and thereafter review by
the City, demonstrates a specific need warranted, due to traffic safety.
6.06 A petition requesting residential street lights shall be signed by 35% of the abutting
property owners. The petition and signatures shall mean the consent of the affected owners
to locate a light near their property. Such consent will be deemed effective if a light is
located within 200 feet in any street direction from the proposed location on either side of
the street.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 4
6.07 Payment for Street Lights: Costs for the furnishing and installation of residential street
lights plus engineering and administrative costs will be assessed to the benefited properties.
Costs to be assessed will be established by the City Council at public hearing after all the
costs are known. All electricity and maintenance for residential street lights will be paid for
by the City out of the general fund.
Established 8/18/87
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 1
LEGISLATIVE POLICY 8-D
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PROCEDURES
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this Policy is to outline policies regarding all solid waste collection
methods and administrative procedures.
2. REFUSE COLLECTION
2.01 Residential refuse collection in the City service area is provided by the City for a fee
established by Council Resolution, on a once a week basis with an automated system using
containers provided by the city.
2.02 The general location for containers in areas without alleys is in the street boulevard one (1)
to three (3) feet behind the curb line with handle positioned away from the street (arrows
toward truck).
2.03 When alleys are present, and conditions allow, containers are to be located in the alley.
The proper container location is one (1) to three (3) feet behind the alley edge line with the
handle away from the alley.
2.04 The container should be placed a minimum of four (4) feet from any building or other
obstacle and a minimum of four (4) feet from any other container.
2.05 The Public Works Department reserves the right to designate location of containers to
maintain an efficient pattern of collection and/or allow safe operations.
2.06 Cans in alley locations that require trucks to be backed will only be collected from the
street side of the residence.
2.07 Automated refuse truck operators DO NOT leave the vehicle to move cans or put extra
bags into cans.
2.08 Container accessibility is the responsibility of the resident. This includes snow removal to
allow pick up during the winter months. Special care should be taken to place the
containers where a vehicle will not block pick up.
2.09 The container may remain at the pick up location only on the pick up day or until it is
collected if normal pick up is delayed. Containers can remain out at the pick up site
continuously only by approval of the Public Works Department.
2.10 Containers will be stenciled with the home address for identification.
2.11 The resident is responsible for cleaning the container and any repairs caused by negligence.
2.12 The City will repair damage caused by collection equipment or conditions beyond the
resident's control. Residents may be charged for repairs or lost containers if negligence is
determined by the Public Works Dept. (subject to City Manager review).
2.13 Items not accepted in the container include but are not limited to; tires, junk cars, car parts,
waste oil, paint products, lead batteries, all household batteries (i.e. nickel cadmium
batteries, mercury batteries, button batteries etc.), brush, yard waste, leaves, fluorescent
tubes, metal barrels or drums, major appliances, or hazardous wastes. In addition to these
items, any material banned from disposal through the Minnesota Waste Management Act
will not be accepted inside the container.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 2
2.14 Only refuse which is contained within the refuse container(s) will be collected. If the
resident is present when the container is being collected, extra refuse equal to two (2)
additional containers full, placed in the container by the resident, will be accepted for an
extra charge based on the size of the container at the property. Fees are set by Council
resolution.
2.15 Collection will be performed weekly. In the event of a holiday during the collection
schedule, in most cases normal collection for the balance of the holiday week will be one
day later. However, because of the two day Thanksgiving Holiday, refuse collection for
residents in Thursday's route, during this holiday, will be collected one day early, on
Wednesday.
2.16 Refuse containers must be set out by 6:00 a.m. of the collection day or the night before.
2.17 The City provides a choice of three different container sizes; 30 gallon, 60 gallon and 90
gallon. Containers selected by residents must be large enough to contain the household
refuse generated each week. The city reserves the right to designate container size if
necessary in cases where refuse is found to overflow the container or accumulate on the
property. Multiple container requests that equal a larger single size container will not be
allowed.
2.18 Extra refuse containers for weekly picks up (City Service Area) are available at an
additional monthly charge for each container.
2.19 Lids must be closed (not flopped back). All refuse must be confined to inside the container
and not protruding. A protrusion of refuse out of the container is unsanitary and reason for
non-collection.
2.20 Changes in number of containers and container sizes are limited to one change for each
three month period.
2.21 Each occupied residential dwelling unit is required to have refuse services provided by the
city and to pay for that service.
3. EXTRA REFUSE SERVICES
3.01 Carry out service
a. Available (City Service Area) at an additional monthly charge to disabled residents
only. (Doctor letter required).
b. The resident must use a city supplied container and have it in an outside location that
is accessible.
3.02 Call Back Service
a. If time allows and under special circumstances, the city may offer to return to a
property on a day other than their regular refuse day for an additional pick up of refuse.
An additional fee will be charged for this service. Fees are established by Council
Resolution.
3.04 Special Bulk Item Pick-up (City Service Area).
a. Conducted weekly (Thursdays) during the year on a call-in basis ONLY. Call before
2:00 p.m. on Wednesday for collection on Thursdays.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 3
b. The pick-up charges are established by council resolution and are based on a per stop
and/or bulk item charge schedule. For loose volume material the fee is based on each
3/4 cubic yard of material set out for pick-up.
c. Items accepted are those too large for normal refuse container pick up and MUST be
liftable by 2 men. Maximum item size is 4' X 6'.
d. Place all items at the normal refuse collection site. All small items MUST be boxed or
bagged.
e. Keep all items must be at least four (4) feet from the refuse container.
f. See section 3.06, for items NOT accepted. Major appliances are accepted through this
service.
g. BULK ITEM DEFINITION: Bulk items include furniture, sofas, stuffed chairs,
mattresses, box springs, carpets, major appliances (excluding gas refrigerators and gas
air conditioners), etc.
3.05 Bulk Item Drop Off (City Service Area)
a. A drop off for bulk items will be conducted at a city designated location twice a year.
Fees are established by Council Resolution.
b. Material brought by residents to the site will be collected in 30 cu. yd. roll off
containers (licenses will be checked to establish residency).
c. Amount not to exceed three (3) cubic yards [approx. one (1) pick-up truck load] per
household.
d. See section 3.06 for items NOT accepted.
3.06 Items NOT included in these extra pick up services.
a. Hazardous Wastes; should be taken to a Hennepin County drop off facility. Call
Hennepin County for more information.
b. Other items not accepted include, but are not limited to; brush, yard waste, leaves,
tires, junk cars, waste oil, paint products, car (lead) batteries, fluorescent bulbs, HID
lamp bulbs, mercury switches, thermostats, button (mercury type) batteries, nickel
cadmium batteries, gas air conditioners and refrigerators, and metal barrels or drums.
c. Brush; No Brush. Keep brush separate from items set out during these scheduled bulk
item pickups and do not bring brush to the bulk item drop off. See Section 4.02 and
4.03 for more information on brush disposal.
d. Yard Waste; No yard waste/leaves are accepted as part of these scheduled bulk item
pickups and do not bring yard waste to the bulk item drop off. See Section 4.03 and
4.04 for more information on Yard Waste disposal.
4. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
4.01 Recycling
a. Curbside/Alleyway Collection
1. The City provides contracted curbside/alleyway single stream recycling collection
every other week to residents within the City Service Area and by special contract.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 4
2. Recycle materials collected are; newspapers; cereal, cake, cracker, and chip cartons;
metal food and beverage containers (aluminum, bimetal, "tin" cans); glass jars and
bottles (any color); Plastic container (#1 through #7) excluding those that
previously contained motor oil or hazardous materials, mixed paper; and corrugated
cardboard. Refer to current contract language for the most up to date information
on materials collected.
3. All recycle materials are to be placed in the single stream cart and then the cart
should be placed at the designated curb or alley location. Corrugated Cardboard that
does not fit into the single stream cart should be flattened into 3’ X 3’ pieces,
bundled with string and placed next to the single stream cart.
4. In most cases, recycling containers are to be placed at the normal refuse container
site, at least four (4) feet from the refuse container. The Public Works Department
reserves the right to designate location of recycling containers to maintain an
efficient pattern of collection and/or allow safe operations.
5. Recycle materials must be set out by 6:00 a.m. every other week on the same day as
regular refuse. The container may remain at the pick up location only on the pick
up day or until it is collected if normal pick up is delayed. A calendar with recycle
weeks designated will be sent to residential refuse customers annually.
6. Call back service is available, provided that the recyclables were set out by 6:00
a.m., properly prepared and placed into the acceptable containers. Missed
collections called into the Contractor by 12:00 p.m. on the day following pick-up
will have recycle material collected before 12:00 the next day. Missed collections
called in after 12:00 p.m. will not be serviced at the earliest possible date.
7. Items not recyclable at this time include but are not limited to; window panes, oven
proof glass (Pyrex), light bulbs, mirrors, paint cans, aerosol cans, building
materials, and any other materials listed in the current recycling collection contract
or defined by the MPCA as being non-recyclable.
b. Recycling Drop Off Center
1. The City provides a free recycling drop off center as an extra service. The drop off
is available to all residents and small businesses of Hopkins.
2. The drop off center is located at the City of Minnetonka's Operations and
Maintenance Facility at 11522 Minnetonka Boulevard.
3. Residents/businesses may drop off recyclable items 24 hours a day. The items
accepted at the drop off are the same as those collected curbside/alley side.
c. Materials are to be prepared as follows:
1. Glass jars and bottles -- Rinsed to remove remaining food substances. Remove lids
and rings. Labels do not need to be removed.
2. Metal Food Cans -- Rinsed to remove remaining food substances. It is not
necessary to remove labels or flatten cans.
3. Corrugated Cardboard – Flatten and cut into 3’ X 3’ pieces.
4. Plastic -- Rinsed to remove remaining food/detergent substances. Labels do not
need to be removed. Flattened. Plastic caps do not need to be removed.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 5
5. Cereal, Cake, Chip and Cracker boxes. Remove food and liner, flatten box.
6. Refer to collection contract for the most up to date information regarding materials
accepted.
4.02 Brush Pick Up
a. The City provides brush pick up free (City Service Area ONLY) on a call in basis for a
designated period of time in the spring and one Tuesday in the fall. Dates are
determined by Public Works Staff. During all other Tuesdays a fee per pick-up is
charged. Fees are established by Council Resolution.
b. BRUSH DEFINITION: Tree limbs and branches up to a maximum of 6 inch diameter
and 15 foot length..includes twigs and other tree parts within size definition.
c. Brush is picked up from the boulevard side of the residence ONLY due to height
restrictions for equipment in alleys.
d. Brush must be stacked on the boulevard in a neat pile, parallel to the street. Small
twigs can be placed in cardboard boxes, but not in plastic bags. Keep brush far enough
away from containers (4 feet) to allow regular automated refuse pick up. Keep brush at
least 5 feet away from utility poles and parked cars. Do not pile brush under trees and
shrubs, behind fences or under overhead wires.
e. Normally, brush pick up is completed every Tuesday, except for holidays and during
unusual conditions such as snowstorms.
f. Calls are taken through Monday before 2:00 p.m. for scheduled pick up that Tuesday.
g. State Law prohibits mixing brush in the same container with regular household waste.
DO NOT put brush in your refuse container.
h. Only brush that is generated on Hopkins properties will be picked up. Brush from land
clearing operations will not be accepted.
4.03. Brush and Yard Waste Drop Off
a. The city provides a free Brush and Yard Waste drop off site. The site is open Monday,
Wednesday and Saturday. The site is located at 3100 Hopkins Crossroads. Dates and
hours of operation are determined by Public Works Staff.
b. All material brought to the site must be separated according to brush and yard waste
definitions in sections 4.02 and 4.04 and all material must have been generated within
the city of Hopkins boundaries.
c. Materials will not be accepted from lawn services.
4.04 Spring/Summer Yard Waste Program
a. The City provides a free yard waste pick up (City Service Area) for a designated period
of time in the spring. Dates are determined by Public Works Staff.
b. A per bag fee is charged during the non-free pick-up period. Fees will be collected by
the sale of yard waste stickers. Yard Waste Stickers must be affixed to each bag as
payment for pick up during this time period. Stickers may be obtained by stopping at
City Hall or Public Works. They may also be obtained by calling Public Works, and
ordering a minimum of ten stickers which will be mailed out, and the charge placed on
the utility bill.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 6
c. Yard waste is picked up with a rear load refuse truck by a City crew on the same day as
regular refuse pick-up in the city service area.
d. YARD WASTE DEFINITION: Leaves (with twig stems no longer than 4 inches), grass
clippings and similar garden waste will be accepted. Items not accepted include: No
animal feces (please clean up after pets before raking your lawn), branches, vines, long
twigs, sod waste, shrub clippings, and no garden products such as melons, pumpkin,
squash, potatoes, apples, tomatoes, etc. Place unused garden products, such as these,
into your regular refuse container.
e. Yard waste must be placed in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400 standards
or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and placed at the
normal refuse container collection site the same day as scheduled refuse pick up. Keep
yard waste materials far enough away (4 feet) to allow regular automated pick up.
f. State Law prohibits mixing yard waste in the same container with regular household
waste. DO NOT put yard waste in your refuse container.
4.05 Fall Leaf/Yard Waste Collection
a. Area 1 - Belgrove, Hobby Acres, Park Ridge, Interlachen Park
1. The City provides street pick-up of leaves/yard waste in the Belgrove, Hobby
Acres, Park Ridge, and Interlachen Park areas using front-end loaders and dump
trucks. This is done because of: the amount and type of trees in these areas; the
cooperation of the neighborhood associations; and the cost savings to the City due
to the large concentrations of leaves in these areas. Residents of these areas are
encouraged to place all leaves at the curb area and avoid bagging due to this clean-
up procedure. Leaves may not be placed in the street until the day before the street
pick up. Placing leaves in the street prior to one day before pick up is a violation of
City Code 615.02 and 800.07.
2. Residents in these areas are charged a per bag fee for bags generated in the fall.
Stickers will be sold and must be affixed to each bag as payment for pick up during
this time period. Stickers may be obtained by stopping at City Hall or Public
Works. They may also be obtained by calling Public Works, and ordering a
minimum of ten stickers which will be mailed out, and the charge placed on the
utility bill.
3. Yard Waste must be placed in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D64
Standards or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and
placed at the normal refuse container collection site the same day as scheduled
refuse pick up. Keep yard waste materials far enough away (4 feet) to allow regular
automated pick up.
4. State Law prohibits mixing yard waste in the same container with regular
household waste. DO NOT put yard waste in your refuse container.
5. Residents in these neighborhoods who live on 5th Ave N., Minnetonka Mills Road,
Washington Ave N., County Roads 73 and 5, and Blake Road will receive free bag
pick up as defined in 4.05, B. Area 2 – All other areas of the City Service Area.
This is due to county restrictions and high traffic levels.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 7
b. Area 2 - All other areas of the City Service Area
1. The city provides free bagged leaf/yard waste pick up in the fall for all residential
refuse customers who do not live in the areas where street pick up takes place.
Dates for the free fall bagged leaf/yard waste pick up are determined by Public
Works staff.
2. A per bag fee is charged during the non-free pick-up period. Stickers will be sold
and must be affixed to each bag as payment for pick up during this time period.
Stickers may be obtained by stopping at City Hall or Public Works. They may also
be obtained by calling Public Works, and requesting that they be mailed out, and
the cost placed on the utility bill.
3. Yard Waste Definition: See section 4.04 d.
4. Leaves must be bagged in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400 standards,
or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and placed at the
normal refuse container collection site (leaf/yard waste bags, etc., must be a
minimum of 4 feet from the refuse container).
5. Weather conditions may delay the pick up and/or cause changes in the scheduling.
All efforts will be made to complete the pick up as scheduled.
6. Yard Waste is picked up with a rear load refuse truck by a City crew on the same
day as regular refuse pick-up in the defined area.
c. Yard Waste Definition: See Section 4.04 d.
1. Yard Waste must be bagged in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400
Standards or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and
placed at the normal refuse container collection site the same day as scheduled
refuse pick up. Keep yard waste materials far enough away (4 feet) to allow regular
automated pick up.
2. State Law prohibits mixing yard waste in the same container with regular
household waste. DO NOT put yard waste in your refuse container.
4.06 Christmas Tree Pick Up
a. The City provides pick up of Christmas Trees for residential refuse customers period
expires residents must call in to schedule a brush pick up for a Christmas Tree and will
be charged a fee.
Established 8/18/87
Revised 7/1/97
Revised 2/17/09
Revised 12/18/12
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 1
POLICY 8-E
STORM WATER UTILITY FEE CREDITS AND/OR ADJUSTMENTS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 To establish guidelines and procedures for the review of credits and/or adjustments of
municipal storm water drainage fees.
2. GENERAL
2.01 The municipal storm water drainage utility utilizes a fee structure based on the anticipated
relative contribution of storm drainage runoff volumes to the storm water drainage system.
A parcel's contribution is determined by that parcel's size and its land use, under the
principal that more intensively developed land uses typically have a larger percentage of
impervious surface and contribute a much greater volume of water and/or
sediment/nutrient loadings to the system.
It is recognized that some parcels, due either to their unique topographic, vegetative,
geologic and other characteristics, or the existence and maintenance of on-site storm
drainage control, detention, or retention facilities have a hydrologic and sediment/nutrient
loading response substantially different from that of similarly sized parcels of the same
land use.
To provide for an equitable assessment of storm drainage fees, based on reasonable
expected contribution of flows and sediment/nutrients, provisions need to be made to
permit adjustments or credits to the storm drainages fees for all parcel classes except Class
1 (single family and duplex residential).
3. POLICY
3.01 The basis of the City of Hopkins' storm water drainage fees is the anticipated relative
contribution of storm water volumes and sediment/nutrient loadings to the storm drainage
system from a given parcel. Where unique or unusual conditions exist where the actual
contributions of water volume and sediment/nutrient loadings from a given parcel are
substantially different from those anticipated by the storm drainage fee structure, the Public
Works Director or his designate may adjust or credit the storm drainage fee for said parcel
to an appropriate level in accordance with the guidelines and procedures specified herein.
4. PROCEDURES
4.01 It is the responsibility of the property owner or his agent to present to the Public Works
Director or his designate, sufficient information concerning a parcel's hydrologic
characteristics to permit an accurate assessment of the conditions that exist. This
information may include, but is not limited to:
a. Site plan and certified survey showing locations of all property lines, buildings and
other development relative to lot lines.
b. The total lot area and area of impervious surfaces.
c. Site topography or contours of sufficient detail to ascertain flow directions, rates and
volumes.
d. Size, details and/or volumetric characteristics of any drainage control facilities.
e. Hydraulic calculations specifying outflow volumes and rates for various rainfall
events.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 2
4.02 Where the unit runoff generated by a parcel differs from the assigned amount for that land
use category by more than 20%, the Public Works Director or his designate may adjust the
parcel's storm water drainage fee in accordance with the following procedure:
a. Calculations of unit runoff for the parcel shall be determined by the methods outlined
in the Soil Conservation Service Technical Release No. 55, utilizing a 2" total rainfall
amount and antecedent moisture condition II.
b. If calculated unit runoff is shown to differ from the assigned amount for that land use
category by 20% or more, than the number of assigned REF's for that parcel shall be
adjusted by multiplying by the ratio of the calculated unit runoff to the standard unit
runoff.
c. A parcel's storm water drainage fee shall be subject to increases as well as decreases
by this procedure.
d. Because single family and duplex fees are not based upon actual parcel acreage, no
adjustments for unit runoff differences will be made for those land uses.
4.03 Wet pond credits are calculated using the following methods.
A parcel may be credited for up to 40% of the storm water drainage fee for on-site
measures which are owned and maintained by the applicant which effectively reduce the
outflow of sediment/nutrients from the site. Credit percentage shall be based on 40% of the
actual percentage of sediment removal efficiency, as determined by the following
procedure, rounded to the nearest 5%; except that no credit will be given for sediment
removal efficiencies of less than 20%.
a. Determine a total site acreage and percent of site that has an improved or impervious
surface.
b. Calculate the annual depth of runoff from the following equation:
D = 0.9 P (0.05 + 0.9 I)
Where: D = annual depth of runoff in inches.
I = percent of site impervious area, expressed as a decimal
P = annual depth of precipitation = 29 inches
c. Calculate annual volume of runoff in acre-feet:
V = site acreage X (D/12)
d. Determine pond capacity below outlet elevation in acre-feet.
e. Calculate capacity inflow ratio (CIR), where:
CIR = pond capacity /V
f. Read sediment removal efficiency from the Brune's Trap Efficiency Curve.
g. Credit = 0.4 (percent sediment removal efficiency).
h. Round credit to the nearest 5% and multiply by the original storm sewer utility rate.
This will be the fee deduction for having a wet pond.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 3
4.04 Storm water detention credits are established by using the following methods.
A parcel may be credited for up to 35% of the storm water drainage fee for on-site
measures which limit storm water outflow rates from the site in accordance with the
following procedure:
a. 15% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 5-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
b. 20% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 10-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
c. 25% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 25-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
d. 30% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 50-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
e. 35% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 100-year rainfall event
to pre-development rates.
f. No detention credits will be given for parcels which do not limit 5-year events to pre-
development rates.
Pre-development runoff rates shall be determined using the Rational Method of runoff
prediction with a "C" value of 0.2. Time of concentration shall be no shorter than 30
minutes.
Only one of the above credits (a-f) may be applied to each parcel. Detention ponds which
operate between the steps described above will receive the lower credit.
4.05 Credits shown in 4.03 and 4.04 above may be cumulative.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 4
4.06 The Public Works Director reserves the right to inspect periodically all storm drainage
control facilities to ascertain that they are operating properly. If such a system, due to
improper maintenance or other reason, fails to detain or cleanse storm water runoff in an
effective manner, the Public Works Director may eliminate or reduce water quality or
detention credits to an appropriate level. Any such facility shall not be eligible to apply for
storm drainage fee adjustments for a period of 12 months following any credit adjustment.
Credit adjustments shall not be made retroactively.
The issuance of any building permit or other action which changes or intensifies an
existing land use shall be cause for an adjustment of storm water drainage fees to an
appropriate level.
5. AUTHORITY
5.01 City of Hopkins Ordinance No. 89-640, City Code Section 720, an ordinance establishing a
storm water drainage utility.
Established 10/12/89
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-F 1
POLICY 8-F
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The City of Hopkins believes that it is in the best interest of the residents for the city to
assume basic responsibility for control of snow and ice on city streets. Reasonable ice and
snow control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The city will provide
such control in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel
and environmental concerns. The city will use city employees, equipment and/or private
contractors to provide this service.
2. CITY CODES
2.01 Hopkins City Codes 1305.31 and 1305.33 are referenced and provide the basis for this
policy.
3. POLICY
3.01 The Hopkins Public Works Department shall endeavor to maintain the city's street system
in a safe and travelable condition. Snowplowing and sanding operations will be
accomplished by subdividing the city's transportation system into a number of
snowplowing routes equal to the number of snowplowing vehicles available.
Within each of the areas, the collector and thoroughfare streets are defined as well as areas
of steep grades and hazardous alignments that need extra care. Equipment is assigned to
these zones based on the amount of effort required.
The call out of equipment is dependent upon the time and severity of the snowfall. The
most critical times are morning and evening rush hour periods. The plan is designed, it at
all feasible, to have the snow removed from collectors, thoroughfares, and hazardous areas
prior to the beginning of these rush hour periods. Subsequent to the priorities of the rush
hour period, the remaining streets in residential and commercial areas are plowed.
Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited personnel and
equipment. Consequently, snowplowing operations will not generally be conducted for
snowfall of less than two inches.
4. SNOW EMERGENCIES
4.01 Hopkins City Code prohibits parking on any public street or parking lot, including the
parking ramp, after a snowfall of two (2) inches or more until the street has been plowed to
the curb or removed from the street. The depth of the snow is determined by city
monitoring device(s).
4.02 Cars normally parked on the street should be relocated to a parking area off the street when
there is a snowfall of two (2) inches or more. The city offers two locations for parking
during this time: 1) Lot 300 north of Downtown Park, and 2) Railroad right-of-way
between 9th and 20th Avenues. Cars parked on the street or in a municipal parking lot
(other than the two mentioned above) may be ticketed and towed to allow for efficient
snowplowing.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-F 2
4.03 Snow emergencies may be declared by the Public Works Department whenever a snow
accumulation is two inches or greater. Snow emergencies declared after 10 p.m. will result
in towing operations beginning at 8 a.m. on the following day.
4.04 If a snow emergency is declared, the Police Department will initiate notification procedures
and will coordinate with public works on the removal of illegally parked vehicles.
4.05 Notification of snow emergencies will be accomplished in two ways:
a. Police Department will place a recorded message on the Police Department's "SNOW
LINE" detailing local snow plowing/towing regulations, whether or not a "snow
emergency" has been declared, and procedures to follow when claiming a vehicle that
has been towed. The snow line may be accessed by dialing 939-1399.
b. Police Department will notify WCCO AM radio and WCCO TV to request public
notification of a snow emergency and to outline the regulations stated in Section 4.01
and 4.02.
4.06 Coordination of the towing and retrieving of vehicles shall be the responsibility of the
Police Department.
5. PROCEDURE
5.01 How snow will be plowed. Snow will be plowed in a manner so as to minimize any traffic
obstructions. In most situations, the center of the roadway will be plowed first. The snow
shall then be pushed from left to right. The discharge shall go onto the boulevard area of
the street. When a plow goes on a bridge, the driver shall slow down so that snow does not
go over the bridge if possible. In times of extreme snowfall, streets will not always
immediately be able to be completely cleared of snow.
5.02 Snow Removal. The Public Works Department will determine when snow will be
removed by truck from an area. Such snow removal will occur in areas where there is no
room on the boulevard for snow storage and in areas where accumulated piles of snow
create a hazardous condition. Snow removal operations will not commence until other
snowplowing operations have been completed. Snow removal operations may also be
delayed depending on weather conditions, personnel and budget availability. The snow will
be removed and hauled to a snow storage area. The snow storage area will be located so as
to minimize environmental problems.
5.03 Priorities and schedule for which streets will be plowed. The city has classified city
streets based on the street function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the
community. Those streets having high priority will be plowed first. These are high volume
streets which connect major sections of the city and provide access for emergency fire,
police and medical services.
The second priority streets are those streets providing access to schools and commercial
businesses. The third priority streets are low volume residential streets. The fourth priority
area are alleys and city parking lots. As mentioned in the policy statement, the
snowplowing and sanding operations will be accomplished by subdividing the city's
transportation system into a number of snowplowing routes equal to the number of
snowplowing vehicles available.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-F 3
5.04 Work schedule for snowplow operators. Snowplow operators will be expected to work
eight-hour shifts. In severe snow emergencies, operators sometimes have to work in excess
of eight-hour shifts. However, because of budget and safety concerns, the city will try not
to work operators more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
5.05 Weather conditions. Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when
weather conditions do not endanger the safety of city employees and equipment. Factors
that may delay snow and ice control operations include: severe cold, significant winds and
limited visibility.
5.06 Use of sand, salt and other chemicals. The city will use sand, salt, and other chemicals
when there are hazardous ice or slippery conditions. The city is concerned about the effect
of such chemicals on the environment and will limit its use for that reason.
6. SIDEWALKS
6.01 Sidewalks - Hopkins City Code requires an owner or the occupant of any property adjacent
to a public sidewalk to remove snow or ice within 12 hours of its deposit. If this is not
done, the city may remove the snow or ice and bill the property owner. Compliance with
this ordinance requirement will help ensure the safety of all.
7. REFUSE CONTAINERS
7.01 Hopkins legislative policies require that refuse containers be accessible for pick-up and
placed off street or alley to allow snow removal. This container may have to be placed in
the driveway to meet both of these requirements. It is the responsibility of the resident to
see that the container is not in the way of the snowplow and is also in a spot accessible to
the garbage truck. Whenever possible, the Public Works Department will attempt to plow
the refuse pick-up route early.
8. MAILBOXES
8.01 Mailboxes damaged during snow removal will not be replaced by the city, unless there is
physical evidence that the snow removal vehicle actually hit the mailbox. If, due to snow
build-up on the boulevards, mailboxes are tipped or knocked over from the weight of the
snow, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to repair or replace the mailbox. If
the city is responsible, the mailbox will be replaced with comparable quality items.
Residents are responsible for keeping the mailbox cleared for Post Office deliveries.
9. FIRE HYDRANTS
9.01 Fire hydrants are critical to minimize the potential losses involved in any fire. The Public
Works and Fire Departments attempt to clear access to hydrants as quickly as possible after
a storm.
Residents are encouraged to assist the city by clearing hydrants near their property. If
possible, they should be cleared five feet on each side to allow Fire Department access.
10. SAFETY
10.1 Minnesota statute and Hopkins City Code prohibit plowing, shoveling, blowing, or placing
snow onto public roadways and boulevards. Placing snow on a public roadway can subject
a person to civil liability if a road hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut, or bump
occurs and causes a traffic accident.
Established 10/17/91
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-G 1
POLICY 8-G
SIDEWALK REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all sidewalks along the streets in the City of
Hopkins are kept and maintained in a safe condition for use by the public.
1.02 This policy relates to repairs of sidewalks as outlined in Section 820.07 of the Hopkins
City Code. The repair of sidewalks outlined in this section are eligible to be assessed under
authorization of Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 429.
2. POLICY
2.01 It shall be the policy of the City to inspect sidewalks along city streets once every sixfour
years in accordance with the zones designated on the Sidewalk and Alley Repair Zone
Mapdescribed in Attachment "A: of this policy. Following sidewalk inspection,
recommendations for repair will be made to the City Engineer.
2.02 Sidewalks shall be repaired in accordance with the most current version of the Minnesota
Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Construction, 1988 Edition,
Section 2521.
3. RESPONSIBILITY
3.01 It shall be the responsibility of the City Engineering division to perform sidewalk
inspections on all such sidewalks designated for inspection during each given year. The
City Engineering division shall keep signed and dated inspection records indicating areas
inspected, problems discovered and recommendations to the City Engineer.
3.02 Any sidewalk repair recommendation approved by the City Engineer shall be repaired by
and at the expense of the owner of the premise abutting the defective sidewalk. On street
corners, repair of sidewalk panels which are bounded by the extension of the property lines
and the street, but not directly adjacent to the property, will be paid by the City.
4. PROCEDURES
4.01 By reason of the fact that the following sidewalk conditions endanger life, limb, and
property, they are hereby declared to be nuisances, to wit:
(a) Any crack fissure, 1/2 inch or greater raise between panels, hump, unevenness or
condition therein of such width, height, depth or form that pedestrians lawfully using
such walk might catch their shoes, feet, canes, crutches or other proper implements
thereon or therein; or which might cause pedestrians using such walk to trip, stumble,
or fall; or which endanger the use of such walks for travel with wheelchairs,
perambulators or similar conveyances.
(b) Sags or depressions which are considered hazardous by the City Engineer.
(c) Accumulations of sod, vegetation or other materials creating hazardous conditions on
such sidewalks, and any such accumulations extending more than three (3) inches over
the edge of the sidewalk.
(d) Water service valve covers on the sidewalk which are not flush with the walk.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-G 2
Any such conditions noted during a sidewalk inspection or otherwise observed by city
employees will be recommended for repair to the City Engineer.
4.02 Complaints regarding sidewalks shall be forwarded to the City Engineerrecorded by city
personnel and permanently filed. Following receipt of a complaint, the City Engineering
division will inspect the problem area and determine if repairs are necessary under this
policy. Such repairs will then be recommended by the City Engineer.
4.03 If the City Engineer finds that any sidewalk abutting private property is unsafe and in need
of repairs, he/she shall cause notice to be served ordering the owner of the property to
correct the condition causing the nuisance within 20 days of receipt of notice. The notice
will also state that if the repairs are not made within the specified time, the City will
complete the repairs at the owner's expense, and if unpaid, it will be made a special
assessment against the property.
4.04 If such sidewalk is not repaired within the specified time, or if proof cannot be shown that
a contract has been signed to have the repairs completed, the City will cause the repairs to
be completed at the owner's expense and will cause the expense, thereof, to be assessed
against the premise in accordance with Section 820.07, Sub. 3 of the Hopkins City Code.
Established 4/21/92
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-H 1
POLICY 8-H
STREET RESTORATION REIMBURSEMENT
FOR PRIVATE UTILITY SERVICE REPAIRS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The Hopkins City Council recognizes that from time to time property owners experience
very expensive street restoration costs when they are required to repair their water or sewer
service within the city right-of-way. The City Council furthermore recognizes that some
property owners may experience a situation where they may be paying an amount that is
substantially higher than the average street restoration cost.
1.02 The purpose of this policy is to outline policies and procedures for reimbursing property
owners who experience extremely high street restoration costs when performing repairs to
their private water and sanitary sewer service within the city right-of-way.
2. ELIGIBILITY FOR REIMBURSEMENT
2.01 Property owners of homesteaded single family or duplex properties are eligible for street
restoration reimbursement under this policy. All other property owners are ineligible.
3. REIMBURSEMENT CONDITIONS
3.01 Property owners may request reimbursement for all street restoration costs that exceed One
Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,250) for each service repair they experience.
3.02 The only street restoration costs eligible for reimbursement are those costs associated with
removing and replacing the pavement section and public sidewalk. These items include:
bituminous or concrete pavement, curb and gutter, pavement base course, and the public
sidewalk. Items not included are: backfilling, grading, sod, private walks, carriage walks,
disposal fees, hauling costs, traffic control, or any other work not directly related to
replacing the roadway pavement or public sidewalk.
3.03 Property owners shall be ineligible for street restoration reimbursement when falsifying
information requested by the city in processing the reimbursement. City staff shall have the
authority to deny any such claims. Claims may be denied completely, or in portions.
3.04 Property owners may appeal reimbursement denials to the Hopkins City Council after
submitting their appeal in writing to the Hopkins City Manager. The appeal shall contain
the reason for the appeal as well as all pertinent information that may be needed by the City
Council in reviewing the appeal.
4. REIMBURSEMENT NOTIFICATION
4.01 Notification of the City's reimbursement policy will be distributed to both the person
applying for the plumbing permit, and to the property owner.
4.02 The plumbing permit applicant will receive notice of the city's reimbursement policy when
applying for the plumbing permit.
4.03 The property owner will be mailed notice of the city's reimbursement policy subsequent to
the plumbing permit being approved by the city's Inspection division.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-H 2
5. REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURE
5.01 Street restoration reimbursement requests shall be submitted to the Engineering
Superintendent or his designee, after full payment has been made by the property owner to
the plumbing contractor.
5.02 The reimbursement shall be in writing by the property owner and contain itemized costs
submitted by the plumbing contractor for the entire repair. The information required
includes repairs to the utility service and to the city right-of-way.
5.03 The reimbursement amount will be the lowest of:
5.03.1 The quantities submitted and verified in the reimbursement request at the current
unit prices paid by the City to its general street restoration contractor x 1.2 or
5.03.2 The actual prices paid by the property owner
The difference between this amount and $1,250 will be paid as a reimbursement to the
property owner. The city shall have full authority to request additional information from
the property owner, or the plumbing contractor, when verifying requests.
5.04 Any repair not acceptable to the city shall be corrected to the city's satisfaction prior to any
reimbursement being made by the city.
5.05 After the Engineering Superintendent or his designee has approved the street repair and the
reimbursement information, the reimbursement shall be forwarded to the city's Finance
department for issuance of a reimbursement check.
5.06 The city's Finance department shall follow all established policies and procedures when
issuing the reimbursement.
6. REIMBURSEMENT FUNDING
6.01 The funds for reimbursements shall be provided by the city's water and sanitary sewer
funds. The water fund shall provide funds for reimbursements associated with water
service repairs, and the sanitary sewer fund for reimbursements associated with sanitary
sewer service repairs. In the event that repairs are made to both the water and sanitary
sewer services the reimbursements shall be funded 50% from the water fund, and 50%
from the sanitary sewer fund.
7. REIMBURSEMENT DEADLINES
7.01 Reimbursement must be submitted in writing to the city's Engineering Superintendent or
his designee within 60 days of issuance of the plumbing permit. Reimbursement requests
submitted after this date shall be ineligible for reimbursement. The only exception to this
rule will be in cases where restoration must be delayed due to weather conditions.
8. EFFECTIVE DATE
8.01 This policy shall be effective as of January 1, 1994. All private service repairs made after
this date shall be eligible for reimbursement. Service repair dates shall be determined by
the date of plumbing permit issuance. The 60-day reimbursement deadline contained in
section 6.01 shall be waived for all service repairs made between January 1, 1994 and the
adoption date of this policy.
Established 7/19/94
Revised 12/18/2012
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-I 1
POLICY 8-I
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
1. VISION
This Complete Streets Policy incorporates the City of Hopkins’ belief that streets and
roadways should be designed and operated to be safe and accessible for all transportation
users whether they are pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders or vehicular motorists.
Transportation shall include all multi-modal users regardless of age or ability.
2. PURPOSE/BENEFIT
Complete streets will create transportation corridors that are safe, functional and
aesthetically attractive for all users as supported by the following principles:
1. Safety
a. The guiding principle of Complete Streets is to provide safety for all road users.
2. Public Health
a. The City of Hopkins can promote public health and physical activity through the
constructed environment.
3. Access and Transportation Equity
a. Not all residents of the City drive a vehicle and rely on safe alternative modes of
transportation such as walking or biking. 4. Affordable Transportation Choices
a. Gas prices are constantly fluctuating and alternative modes of transportation should be
supported.
5. Economic Development
a. Walking and biking offer additional means to access businesses and encourage
economic development.
6. Environment
a. Complete Streets supports many transportation options that help lessen dependence on
oil and promote cleaner air.
7. Cost Effectiveness
a. Designing roads with all users in mind from the beginning reduces costly retrofits.
8. Quality of Life/Social Capital
a. Walkable neighborhoods increase community interaction and promote a small town
feel.
B. COMPLETE STREETS ELEMENTS:
a. Transportation improvements will include facilities and amenities that are recognized as
contributing to Complete Streets, which may include street and sidewalk lighting;
sidewalks and pedestrian safety improvements such as median refuges or crosswalk
improvements; improvements that provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
compliant accessibility; transit accommodations including improved pedestrian access to
the Light Rail Stations; bicycle accommodations, shared-use lanes, wide travel lanes or
bike lanes as appropriate; and street trees, boulevard landscaping, street furniture and
adequate drainage facilities.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-I 2
C. PLANNING AND DESIGN:
a. Early consideration of all modes for all users will be important to the success of this Policy.
Those planning and designing street projects will give due consideration to bicyclists and
pedestrians, from the very start of planning and design work. This will apply to all roadway
projects, including those involving new construction, reconstruction, or changes in the
allocation of pavement space on an existing roadway.
b. It will be important to the success of the Complete Streets policy to ensure that the project
development process includes early consideration of the land use and transportation
context of the project, the identification of gaps or deficiencies in the network for various
user groups that could be addressed by the project, and an assessment of the tradeoffs to
balance the needs of all users. The context factors that should be given high priority
include the following:
i. Whether the corridor provides a primary access to a significant destination such as a
community or regional park or recreational area, a school, a shopping / commercial
area, or an employment center;
ii. Whether the corridor provides access across a natural or man-made barrier such as a
river or freeway;
iii. Whether the corridor is in an area where a relatively high number of users of non-
motorized transportation modes can be anticipated;
iv. Whether a road corridor provides important continuity or connectivity links for an
existing trail or path network; or
v. Whether nearby routes that provide a similar level of convenience and connectivity
already exist.
c. The design of new or reconstructed facilities should anticipate likely future demand for
bicycling and walking and should not preclude the provision of future improvements. [For
example, under most circumstances bridges (which last for 75 years or more) should be
built with sufficient width for safe bicycle and pedestrian use in anticipation of a future
need for such facilities].
d. The City will generally follow accepted or adopted design standards when implementing
improvements intended to fulfill this Complete Streets policy but will consider innovative
or non-traditional design options where a comparable level of safety for users is present.
D. POLICY EXEMPTIONS:
a. Consideration of bicyclist and pedestrian transportation users shall be included in street
construction, re-construction, re-paving, and re-habilitation projects, except under one or
more of the following conditions:
i. A project involves only ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in
serviceable condition, such as mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, concrete joint
repair, or pothole filling, or when interim measures are implemented on temporary
detour or haul routes.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-I 3
ii. The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner determine there is
insufficient space to safely accommodate new facilities.
iii. The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner determine there are
relatively high safety risks.
iv. The City Council exempts a project due to the excessive and disproportionate cost of
establishing a bikeway, walkway or transit enhancement as part of a project.
v. The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner jointly determine that the
construction is not practically feasible or cost effective because of significant or
adverse environmental impacts to streams, flood plains, remnants of native vegetation,
wetlands, steep slopes or other critical areas, or due to impacts on neighboring land
uses, including impact from right of way acquisition.
4. IMPLEMENTATION
The Complete Streets Policy will become effective upon approval of the City Council and will be
implemented through the following practices:
1. City street construction and reconstruction projects shall be reviewed at staff level by the City
Engineer, Public Works Director and City Planner to determine appropriate level of complete
street implementation. Greater attention will be made to those projects within the Downtown
and Transit Oriented Development Districts.
2. The City will work with governmental agencies such as Hennepin County and Minnesota
Department of Transportation to encourage incorporation of the City’s Complete Street policy
into street and road projects under their jurisdiction.
3. Update City’s Comprehensive Plan to include Complete Streets policy.
4. The City will maintain a comprehensive inventory of the pedestrian and bicycling facility
infrastructure integrated with the Capital Improvements Plan and will carry out projects to
eliminate gaps in the sidewalk and trail networks where feasible.
5. Complete Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of
smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time.
6. The City will develop implementation strategies that may include evaluating and revising
manuals and practices, developing and adopting network plans, identifying goals and targets,
and tracking measures such as safety and modal shifts to gauge success.
7. Staff will continuously educate themselves, Council and Planning Commission members about
best practices and cost-effective measures to design and construct Complete Streets.
Revised 05/2013
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8
LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL
CHAPTER VIII
Policy 8-A Requests for Traffic Controls
Policy 8-B Roadway Improvements
Policy 8-C Other Local Improvements
Policy 8-D Solid Waste Collection
Policy 8-E Storm Water Utility Credits and/or Adjustments
Policy 8-F Snow and Ice Control
Policy 8-G Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance
Policy 8-H Street Restoration Reimbursement for Private Utility Repairs
Policy 8-I Complete Street Policy
Revised: May 2013
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-A 1
POLICY 8-A
REQUESTS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROLS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The City receives requests from time to time for additional or modified traffic control
measures. This policy is intended to outline policies and procedures dealing with those
requests.
2. REQUESTS
2.01 Requests for traffic controls should be made in writing to the City of Hopkins. The
requests should detail the types of controls desired, problems with the current controls, if
any, and any additional information needed to explain or justify the request.
2.02 If the request is made to a staff member, the request should be forwarded to the Engineer.
The Engineer shall prepare a memo to the Council indicating the request, if warranted. The
Council should consider the request and authorize an Engineers study if desired.
2.03 The Engineer, if so authorized, shall prepare an Engineers Report to the Council indicating
the current status of conditions. The level of justification of improvements, the cost of
providing improvements and recommending action on the request.
2.04 The Council upon receiving the report shall have discretion to ultimately decide on the
action to be taken and so instruct staff.
2.05 Upon Council action, an official response to the requester shall be drafted by the Engineer
and forwarded to the requester.
Established 8/18/87
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 1
POLICY 8-B
ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS
INDEX
1. PURPOSE
2. GENERAL
3. DEFINITIONS
4. STATE HIGHWAYS
5. COUNTY ROADS
6. MUNICIPAL STATE AID STREETS
7. MAJOR STREETS
8. LOCAL STREETS
9. ALLEYS
10. ASSESSMENT POLICIES
11. ASSESSMENT FORMULAS
12. ASSESSMENT INTEREST RATE
Revised: December 2012
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 2
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of these policies is to establish guidelines and procedures for the
improvement of roadways within the City of Hopkins.
2. GENERAL
2.01 This policy relates to roadway improvements eligible to be assessed under authorization of
Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 429.021.
2.02 Assessable roadway improvement projects shall conform with the procedural requirements
of Chapter 429 which generally are as follows:
1. Project Initiation by Petition or Council Resolution
2. Resolution Ordering Preparation of Engineers Report
3. Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Ordering a Hearing
4. Publication and Individual Notification of Hearing
5. Public Hearing
6. Resolution Ordering Improvement
7. Resolution Ordering the Preparation of Assessment Roll
8. Public Notice of Hearing on Assessments
9. Assessment Hearing
10. Resolution Adopting Assessment Roll
11. Filing of Assessments with Hennepin County
2.03 In addition to special assessments, other sources of funds are available to the City for street
purposes depending on the type of project involved.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.01 The City of Hopkins contains various types of roadways. Descriptions of the City's street
classifications are outlined as follows:
State Highways This category includes highways with various designs and traffic
capacities. Rights of way are from 150' to 400'. These highways are
intended for national or regional service. All of the highways in this
category have been designated as principle, intermediate, or minor
arterials by the Metropolitan Council.
Thoroughfares These are important traffic routes which provide community continuity
and interconnect the City with neighboring communities. They are
usually spaced at one mile intervals, although they may be closer in
more heavily developed areas. When upgraded these roadways will
generally have 100' rights-of-way and be of sufficient design to handle
anticipated traffic.
Collectors Streets which are designed to collect traffic from individual properties
and feed into thoroughfares. They have 60-80' rights-of-way with 7 or 9
ton capacity and are generally spaced at one-half mile intervals.
Local Relatively short streets which provide access to individual lots in
interior areas of development. Minimum right of way is 50-60'.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 3
Cul-de-sac Dead-end streets usually designed with a maximum length of 500' and a
turn around area of 120' diameter at the property line. They generally
are constructed in interior residential developments.
Service Road Streets which run parallel and adjacent to a high volume roadway. They
are designed to serve individual properties along streets where it is
desirable to control access.
Alley Roadways which are generally 12-20 feet in right-of-way width which
service properties on the rear property line.
4. STATE HIGHWAYS
4.01 The State Highways within the City of Hopkins are Highway No. 7 and Highway No. 169.
State highway projects generally do not directly involve city funds. However, associated
improvements such as storm sewer or water trunks may be initiated so that future
construction under these highways will not be needed.
5. COUNTY ROADS
5.01 Hennepin County roads in Hopkins are:
Blake Road (#20)
Excelsior Avenue (#3)
Hopkins Crossroad (#73)
Minnetonka Boulevard (#5)
Shady Oak Road (#61)
1. These roads were originally designed as part of the county's highway system and were
meant to link rural areas with the urban centers. As Hopkins developed, these roads
have become an important part of the network of city streets. However many of these
county roads need to be upgraded in order to facilitate present and future traffic
demand. Since this type of improvement is needed in part because of increased urban
use it has been the county policy to share the cost of the project with the city. Costs
shared in this manner shall adhere to the current version of the Hennepin County
Public Works Business Line Transportation Department Policies for Cost Participation
Between Hennepin County and Other Agencies for Cooperative Highway Projects.
5.03 Payment of the City portion of projects may be assessed and/or paid by City funds.
6. MUNICIPAL STATE AID (MSA) STREETS
6.01 Recent regulations allow a municipality to designate up to 20% of its existing street
mileage, excluding county state aid highways and state trunk highways as MSA streets.
The City of Hopkins currently has approximately 9.6 miles designated as MSA streets. The
City receives MSA funds on an annual basis and are allotted for maintenance and
construction of MSA streets. This money is part of the gasoline tax collected in Minnesota
and is apportioned to the community according to state guidelines based on population and
construction needs. Maintenance funds are sent automatically to the City each year while
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 4
the construction funds are held in an account by the state until the time construction
contracts are awarded.
6.02 The following are MSA streets:
Street From To
Mainstreet Co. Rd. #61 5th Ave.
(Shady Oak Rd.)
St. Louis St . County Road #3 Tyler Ave. No.
(Excelsior Blvd.)
Tyler Ave. No. St. Louis Street 2nd St. N.E.
1st St. No. 8th Avenue 12th Avenue.
1st St. So. 11th Ave. So. 8th Ave. So.
5th St. So. 16th Ave. So. 11th Ave. So.
5th St. So. 10th Ave. So. State Highway No. 169
6th St. So. 11th Ave. So. 10th Ave. So.
7th St. So. 9th Ave. So. Alley W of 14th Ave. So.
Oakridge Rd. City Limits State Highway No. 7
5th Ave. No. State Highway No. 7 Mainstreet
5th Ave. So. Mainstreet 3rd St. So.
6th Ave. So. 3rd Street So. 5th St. So.
8th Ave. No. 1st St. No. Mainstreet
8th Ave. So. Mainstreet Co. Rd. #3
11th Ave. No. 1st Street No. Mainstreet
11th Ave. So. Mainstreet Smetana Rd.
12th Ave. No. State Highway No. 7 1st St. No.
17th Ave. No. State Highway No. 7 Mainstreet
17th Ave. So. Mainstreet Co. Rd. #3
Smetana Rd. West City Limits .38 Mi. E of 11th Ave. So.
Minnetonka Mills Road 5th Avenue North Washington Avenue
2nd Street North Washington Avenue Tyler Avenue North
Blake Road Excelsior Boulevard South City Limits
6.03 It is not the intent of the State Aid Funding Program to totally finance the MSA system.
Rather, it is designed to assist communities with street construction projects in an effort to
improve the roadway system state wide. Therefore, when an MSA street is constructed or
upgraded, assessments will be levied in accordance with city policies for major streets.
7. MAJOR STREETS
7.01 Major streets are considered by the City of Hopkins to be collector and thoroughfare
streets. Streets of this variety generally service local traffic as well as traffic from other
areas and therefore are designed in accordance with standards of a higher road capacity.
Major streets within the City of Hopkins are constructed with a minimum capacity of 9 ton
per axle. The primary source of funding for major roadways is special assessments and
MSA funds.
7.02 Major new and reconstructed streets shall be constructed with curb and gutter. Street
width shall be determined by existing conditions, traffic counts and patterns, and, if
applicable, MSA standards.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 5
8. LOCAL STREETS
8.01 Local Streets are generally streets which service a small area and do not typically involve a
movement of traffic between areas. Streets of this type include local streets, cul-de-sacs,
and service roads. Local streets within the City of Hopkins are constructed with a
minimum capacity of 7 tons per axle. The primary source of funding of local streets is
special assessments.
8.02 New local streets shall be constructed with curb and gutter. When reconstructing streets
concrete curb and gutter shall be installed.
8.03 New local street minimum unobstructed street width, (face to face of curb) is 30 feet. The
standard minimum unobstructed street width for reconstructed streets shall be 26 feet.
Streets which do not meet this requirement shall be reconstructed to meet the minimum
requirement unless the Council finds that:
Reconstruction to the minimum width would adversely affect trees or other significant
or desirable physical features; and
A reduced unobstructed street width would not constitute a distinct hazard to life or
property.
Factors to be considered shall include, but not be limited to, safe access of emergency
vehicles, snow storage requirements, availability of parking, and aesthetics.
8.04 Streets which are twenty-six feet (26') or more in width will have parking allowed on both
sides, unless it is determined by City Staff that parking restrictions are necessary. Streets
less than twenty-six feet (26') in width may be subject to parking restrictions on an as-
needed basis. Factors influencing parking restrictions may include, but not be limited to,
safety concerns, emergency vehicle access, sight distance problems, neighborhood input,
or street maintenance needs. Parking restrictions could be established at the time of street
projects or at any future date based upon general City parking requirements.
9. ALLEYS
9.01 Alleys are minor roadways which service parcels of property along the rear property line.
The primary source of funding of alleys is special assessments.
9.02 All alleys shall be concrete construction. Alley width is generally 10 feet in residential
areas and 12 feet in commercial areas.
10. ASSESSMENT POLICIES
10.01 When assessments are levied for roadway improvements, the assessment will be calculated
in accordance with the formulas set forth in the section on Assessment Formulas, using
either the adjusted front foot method or per lot unit method. The adjusted front foot
method will be used for assessment purposes unless it is determined that the affected lots
have received equal benefits. The City Council shall have final authority on the type of
formula to be used.
10.02 The total project cost for streets constructed or reconstructed in any given project shall be
equal to the actual construction cost, plus associated costs such as legal, bonds,
administrative and engineering.
10.03 When the city CONSTRUCTS A NEW LOCAL OR MAJOR STREET, 100% of the total
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 6
project cost, including all utilities, will be recovered by assessing the benefiting property
for actual benefit received. A new street shall be defined as a roadway which had not
previously existed.
10.04 When the city RECONSTRUCTS AN EXISTING LOCAL OR MAJOR STREET, 70% of
the total project cost will be recovered by assessing the benefiting property for benefit
received. The remaining 30% shall be absorbed by the city. A reconstructed street shall be
defined as a roadway which existed previously.
10.05 When the city CONSTRUCTS OR RECONSTRUCTS AN ALLEY, 80% of the total
project cost will be recovered by assessing the benefiting property for benefit received. The
remaining 20% shall be absorbed by the city.
10.06 When major street construction or reconstruction is partially financed by State Aid Funds,
the adjoining properties will be charged an assessment as prescribed in this policy. The
remainder of the street costs shall be paid by State Aid Funds or General Funds.
10.07 The following assessment policies will apply for existing single family property when a
major street is improved:
1. Existing single family residential property abutting two or four lane divided median
roads will be assessed using the adjusted front footage method, based on 1/4 of the cost
of a standard local street as if built at the time of the assessment.
2. Existing single family residential property abutting two or four lane undivided roads
will be assessed using the adjusted front footage method, based on 1/2 of the cost of a
standard local street as if built at the time of the assessment.
10.08 Lots which are split subsequent to a roadway improvement project shall be assessed as if
in existence at the time the assessment was adopted, using the formula used at the time of
assessment plus interest as per current City policy from date of assessment.
10.09 The following items are to be assessable as part of a reconstruction project cost:
1. Remove concrete curb and gutter
2. Remove pavement
3. Remove/replace concrete steps
4. Construct and reinforce concrete steps
5. Remove concrete driveway pavement
6. Remove/construct apron 6" thick concrete pavement (residential)
7. Remove/construct apron 8" thick concrete pavement (commercial)
8. Common excavation
9. Core excavation
10. Concrete curb and gutter
11. Bituminous pavement
12. Concrete Pavement
13. Saw joint
14. Adjust manholes
15. Adjust catch basin
16. Adjust gate valves
17. Retaining wall
18. Electric conduit
19. Construct 4' x 8" thick valley cone gutter
20. Surfacing aggr. Cl. 2 100% crushed
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 7
21. Cultured sod with 4" thick topsoil in place
22. Clearing
23. Grubbing
24. Aggregate backfill
25. Replacement of driveway aprons
26. Construct concrete pedestrian ramps
27. Full-depth asphalt milling and overlay
28. Pavement reclamation
10.10 The following items are to be assessable at 50% of the actual cost as part of a
reconstruction project:
1. Sanitary sewer service line replacement from the main to the property line
2. Water service line replacement from the main to the property line
10.11 The following items would not be included in a reconstruction project cost. The items will
be billed directly or assessed to the benefited property:
1. Sewer and water service line repairs
2. Random 6-8" concrete pavement
3. Random concrete sidewalk
4. Random sod
10.12 The following items will be paid at city expense when part of a reconstruction project:
1. Remove, replace or relocate hydrants
2. Install hydrants and/or gate valves
3. Sanitary sewer and water mains repair and replacement
4. Storm sewer reconstruction or construction
11. ASSESSMENT FORMULAS
11.01 The adjusted front foot method of assessment uses the actual frontage or adjusts lots to an
average frontage by using area ratios or the average lot frontage in the project area. When
the adjusted front foot method is used, the individual lot assessment shall be calculated as
follows:
Assessment = Total Project Cost X Assessable Adjusted Front
Total Adjusted Footage of Lot
Front Footage
11.02 The per lot/unit method of assessment is intended to simplify the assessment process by
assuming that all properties to be assessed will receive equal benefits. When the per
lot/unit method is used, the individual lot assessment shall be calculated as follows:
Assessment = Total Project Cost
Number of Lots
11.03 The adjusted front foot is calculated using the following methods:
1. In the RECTANGULAR BLOCK AREAS of the city the adjusted front footage for
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 8
street or alley construction is the actual footage of the lot abutting the improvement.
Side streets in these areas are assessed to the entire block on an adjusted front foot
basis. See Figure A.
East-West alleys, north or south of Mainstreet are assessed 7 feet to Mainstreet
properties and 5 feet to the balance of the block on an adjusted front foot basis.
2. In the ODD-SHAPE LOT AREAS the following methods are used:
a. In areas where the MAJORITY of lots are odd-shaped, the adjusted front footage
of a lot is determined as follows:
Area of Lot Project
Adjusted Front Footage = Total Area X Centerline
of Assessable Footage
Lots
Adjusted front footage minimum is 100 feet and maximum is 150 feet using this
method.
b. In areas where the MINORITY of lots are odd-shaped, the adjusted front footage
for the odd-shaped lots is determined by the average actual front footage of the
rectangular lots assessed.
Adjusted front footage maximum is 150 feet using this method.
11.04 Assessment Caps
1. Maximum per foot assessment. The maximum per foot assessment amount to single
family residential properties (single unit or duplex unit) may not exceed the
assessment cap.. This cap applies only to total street reconstruction costs (public
improvements) and the associated assessments. It does not apply to partial
reconstruction, i.e. curb replacement and asphalt overlay or full-depth milling/overlay
or other assessable roadway improvements. The cost of special neighborhood requests
which are non-standard construction items are excluded when comparing the current
project assessment to the assessment cap amount. The project feasibility report will
include the per foot assessment cap amount. The assessment cap will increase at a rate
of three percent (3%) per year to account for inflation.
2. Multiple Assessments. There shall be a maximum of two (2) concurrent special
assessments for street or alley improvement to any single family residential properties
(single unit or duplex unit) within any 10-year period. Volunteer assessment, i.e.
assessments petitioned by property owners, do not apply to the maximum.
Assessments created by road/alley construction or reconstruction deemed as
emergency work by the City Council do not apply to the maximum.
11.05 In certain unusual cases assessments may be determined by a fair comparison to other
assessed property or through an independent benefit appraisal. This will be determined by
the Engineering Division of Public Works and can be appealed to the City Council.
12. ASSESSMENT INTEREST RATE
12.01 Following approval of the assessment roll by the City Council, assessments not paid within
the timeframe established by the City Council plus 30 days shall bear interest at 2% over
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 9
the True Interest Cost (TIC) of the bonds sold to finance the project.
12.02 If bonds are not sold in a timely enough fashion to establish the TIC, the assessments shall
bear interest at 2% over the anticipated TIC of the bonds sold to finance the project.
Established 11/03/87
Revised 04/15/97
Revised 12/15/1998
Revised 04/20/2004
Revised 12/18/2012
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-B 10
FIGURE A
ASSESSING POLICIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS
IN RECTANGULAR BLOCK AREAS
Improvements in this block
assessed to abutting properties on
the basis of adjusted front footage
Improvements on side streets
assessed to abutting blocks on
the basis of adjusted front
footage
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 1
POLICY 8-C
OTHER LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of these policies is to establish guidelines and procedures for improvements
within the City of Hopkins.
2. GENERAL
2.01 This policy relates to improvements eligible to be assessed under authorization of
Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 429.021.
2.02 Assessable improvement projects shall conform to the procedural requirements of Chapter
429 which generally are as follows:
a. Project initiation by petition or Council resolution
b. Resolution ordering preparation of Engineers Report
c. Resolution Approving Engineers Report & Ordering a Hearing
d. Publication and individual notification of hearing
e. Public Hearing
f. Resolution Ordering Improvement
g. Resolution Ordering the Preparation of Assessment Roll
h. Public Notice of Hearing on assessments
i. Assessment Hearing
j. Resolution Adopting Assessment Roll
k. Filing of Assessments with Hennepin County
3. SEWER AND WATER
3.01 The following method shall be used in distributing costs on sewer and water
improvements:
a. Connections are charged to parcels where they are actually located. Costs of work
done in front of properties (laterals) are charged to the abutting property either on a
front foot basis, or an average width of lot basis, or an equal division basis. Costs of
installations which are "shared" such as ends of blocks, necessary mains, lift stations,
manholes, etc., are charged to all benefiting property on an area basis. Sometimes
areas which lie close to the improvement are charged on a higher basis than more
remote areas.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 2
4. DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
4.01 The following method shall be used in distributing costs on drainage improvements:
a. The City policy is to pay for all street and alley storm sewers from the general fund.
Any new surface or reconstruction of existing surface would be assessed as otherwise
herein defined.
5. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
5.01 Definition: "Fire protection system" means pipes, standpipes, sprinklers, control systems,
hydrants, and other devices and equipment installed in or outside a building for the
primary purpose of eliminating or reducing the spread of fire in the building or providing
for safe evacuation of the building, whether the devices and equipment are publicly or
privately owned.
5.02 Policy: The City of Hopkins, at its sole discretion, may honor petitions to construct,
reconstruct, alter, extend, operate, maintain and promote fire protection systems in existing
buildings under the following conditions:
1. The project meets the requirements of Minnesota State Statute 429.031.
2. The total amount of petitions honored for a given calendar year do not exceed
$200,000.00.
5.03 Petitions will be honored on a first come, first serve basis. If the amounts requested exceed
dollars allocated for that year the petitions will be placed on a list and honored the
following year in order of greatest need using the following criteria:
1. Orders issued by the City requiring the work or its' equivalency be done.
2. Financial hardship by the requesting company such as not being able to qualify for a
loan to do the work.
5.04 Procedures:
1. A petition or letter of application shall be submitted and signed by all owners of the
property.
2. The petition shall also contain the plans and specifications for the improvement, the
estimated cost of the improvement and a statement indicating whether the City or the
owner will contract for the construction of the improvement.
3. If the owner is contracting for the construction of the improvement, the City shall not
approve the petition until it has reviewed and approved the plans, specifications, and
cost estimates contained in the petition.
4. The construction cost financed under Section 429.091 shall not exceed the amount of
the cost estimate contained in the petition.
5. The petitioner may request abandonment of the improvement at any time after it has
been ordered pursuant to Section 429.041 Subdivision 1 and before contracts have
been awarded for the construction of the improvement under Section 429.041,
Subdivision 2. If such a request is received, the City Council shall abandon the
proceedings but in such case the petitioner shall reimburse the City for any and all
expenses incurred by the City in connection with the improvement.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 3
6. The cost of the improvements plus an administrative fee of 5% or $100.00, whichever
is greater, will be assessed to the petitioning property owner under the provisions of
Section 429. The length of the assessment shall not exceed 10 years and the interest
rate shall not exceed 8%.
6. RESIDENTIAL STREET LIGHTING
6.01 General: This policy applies to residential street lighting erected within the public right-of-
way for the purpose of lighting public streets.
6.02 Residential street lighting should, by definition, provide adequate illumination for
information relative to the street geometry, to objects or activities within the street, and to
objects or activities in areas immediately adjacent to the street.
6.03 Due to the inability of street lights to provide good security illumination and due to public
funding limitations, personal or neighborhood security lighting requests shall be reviewed
as to conformance to the warrants made a part of this policy. In a case where a request for
personal or neighborhood security lighting does not meet the warrants, it shall be
recommended that those persons desiring that lighting should purchase such lighting from
the local power utility. Such lighting may be installed on public right-of-way or on private
property. All such installations on the public right-of-way shall require a permit from the
City. Any lights that may overlap proposed or existing lighting, are too close per the City
standards or are deemed hazardous or unnecessary for traffic safety will not be
recommended for installation. Traffic safety shall mean both vehicle and pedestrian safety.
6.04 Warrants: Upon receiving a request or petition to install residential street lighting, an
engineering evaluation shall be made of the subject location to determine whether that
location warrants installation of such lighting. Such additional residential lighting is
warranted when any of the following conditions are present:
- Existing at grade intersection
- Existing crosswalk or trail intersection with street
- Cul-de-sac or dead end street more than 300 feet long
- Where the luminare spacing using 100 watt high pressure sodium lighting is more than +
tolerance 200 to 225 feet (provides 0.4 foot candle recommended average illumination).
- Where hazardous conditions exist due to limited sight distance caused by vertical and/or
horizontal alignment of the roadway and/or other roadway environment conditions.
6.05 Street Light Request: Street lights will be considered upon receipt of a petition from
property owners on the affected street, or upon recommendation of the City Council or of
the engineer. Consideration will be given only when such petition, and thereafter review
by the City, demonstrates a specific need warranted, due to traffic safety.
6.06 A petition requesting residential street lights shall be signed by 35% of the abutting
property owners. The petition and signatures shall mean the consent of the affected owners
to locate a light near their property. Such consent will be deemed effective if a light is
located within 200 feet in any street direction from the proposed location on either side of
the street.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-C 4
6.07 Payment for Street Lights: Costs for the furnishing and installation of residential street
lights plus engineering and administrative costs will be assessed to the benefited
properties. Costs to be assessed will be established by the City Council at public hearing
after all the costs are known. All electricity and maintenance for residential street lights
will be paid for by the City out of the general fund.
Established 8/18/87
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 1
LEGISLATIVE POLICY 8-D
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PROCEDURES
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this Policy is to outline policies regarding all solid waste collection
methods and administrative procedures.
2. REFUSE COLLECTION
2.01 Residential refuse collection in the City service area is provided by the City for a fee
established by Council Resolution, on a once a week basis with an automated system using
containers provided by the city.
2.02 The general location for containers in areas without alleys is in the street boulevard one (1)
to three (3) feet behind the curb line with handle positioned away from the street (arrows
toward truck).
2.03 When alleys are present, and conditions allow, containers are to be located in the alley.
The proper container location is one (1) to three (3) feet behind the alley edge line with the
handle away from the alley.
2.04 The container should be placed a minimum of four (4) feet from any building or other
obstacle and a minimum of four (4) feet from any other container.
2.05 The Public Works Department reserves the right to designate location of containers to
maintain an efficient pattern of collection and/or allow safe operations.
2.06 Cans in alley locations that require trucks to be backed will only be collected from the
street side of the residence.
2.07 Automated refuse truck operators DO NOT leave the vehicle to move cans or put extra
bags into cans.
2.08 Container accessibility is the responsibility of the resident. This includes snow removal to
allow pick up during the winter months. Special care should be taken to place the
containers where a vehicle will not block pick up.
2.09 The container may remain at the pick up location only on the pick up day or until it is
collected if normal pick up is delayed. Containers can remain out at the pick up site
continuously only by approval of the Public Works Department.
2.10 Containers will be stenciled with the home address for identification.
2.11 The resident is responsible for cleaning the container and any repairs caused by
negligence.
2.12 The City will repair damage caused by collection equipment or conditions beyond the
resident's control. Residents may be charged for repairs or lost containers if negligence is
determined by the Public Works Dept. (subject to City Manager review).
2.13 Items not accepted in the container include but are not limited to; tires, junk cars, car parts,
waste oil, paint products, lead batteries, all household batteries (i.e. nickel cadmium
batteries, mercury batteries, button batteries etc.), brush, yard waste, leaves, fluorescent
tubes, metal barrels or drums, major appliances, or hazardous wastes. In addition to these
items, any material banned from disposal through the Minnesota Waste Management Act
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 2
will not be accepted inside the container.
2.14 Only refuse which is contained within the refuse container(s) will be collected. If the
resident is present when the container is being collected, extra refuse equal to two (2)
additional containers full, placed in the container by the resident, will be accepted for an
extra charge based on the size of the container at the property. Fees are set by Council
resolution.
2.15 Collection will be performed weekly. In the event of a holiday during the collection
schedule, in most cases normal collection for the balance of the holiday week will be one
day later. However, because of the two day Thanksgiving Holiday, refuse collection for
residents in Thursday's route, during this holiday, will be collected one day early, on
Wednesday.
2.16 Refuse containers must be set out by 6:00 a.m. of the collection day or the night before.
2.17 The City provides a choice of three different container sizes; 30 gallon, 60 gallon and 90
gallon. Containers selected by residents must be large enough to contain the household
refuse generated each week. The city reserves the right to designate container size if
necessary in cases where refuse is found to overflow the container or accumulate on the
property. Multiple container requests that equal a larger single size container will not be
allowed.
2.18 Extra refuse containers for weekly picks up (City Service Area) are available at an
additional monthly charge for each container.
2.19 Lids must be closed (not flopped back). All refuse must be confined to inside the
container and not protruding. A protrusion of refuse out of the container is unsanitary and
reason for non-collection.
2.20 Changes in number of containers and container sizes are limited to one change for each
three month period.
2.21 Each occupied residential dwelling unit is required to have refuse services provided by the
city and to pay for that service.
3. EXTRA REFUSE SERVICES
3.01 Carry out service
a. Available (City Service Area) at an additional monthly charge to disabled residents
only. (Doctor letter required).
b. The resident must use a city supplied container and have it in an outside location that
is accessible.
3.02 Call Back Service
a. If time allows and under special circumstances, the city may offer to return to a
property on a day other than their regular refuse day for an additional pick up of
refuse. An additional fee will be charged for this service. Fees are established by
Council Resolution.
3.04 Special Bulk Item Pick-up (City Service Area).
a. Conducted weekly (Thursdays) during the year on a call-in basis ONLY. Call before
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 3
2:00 p.m. on Wednesday for collection on Thursdays.
b. The pick-up charges are established by council resolution and are based on a per stop
and/or bulk item charge schedule. For loose volume material the fee is based on each
3/4 cubic yard of material set out for pick-up.
c. Items accepted are those too large for normal refuse container pick up and MUST be
liftable by 2 men. Maximum item size is 4' X 6'.
d. Place all items at the normal refuse collection site. All small items MUST be boxed or
bagged.
e. Keep all items must be at least four (4) feet from the refuse container.
f. See section 3.06, for items NOT accepted. Major appliances are accepted through this
service.
g. BULK ITEM DEFINITION: Bulk items include furniture, sofas, stuffed chairs,
mattresses, box springs, carpets, major appliances (excluding gas refrigerators and gas
air conditioners), etc.
3.05 Bulk Item Drop Off (City Service Area)
a. A drop off for bulk items will be conducted at a city designated location twice a year.
Fees are established by Council Resolution.
b. Material brought by residents to the site will be collected in 30 cu. yd. roll off
containers (licenses will be checked to establish residency).
c. Amount not to exceed three (3) cubic yards [approx. one (1) pick-up truck load] per
household.
d. See section 3.06 for items NOT accepted.
3.06 Items NOT included in these extra pick up services.
a. Hazardous Wastes; should be taken to a Hennepin County drop off facility. Call
Hennepin County for more information.
b. Other items not accepted include, but are not limited to; brush, yard waste, leaves,
tires, junk cars, waste oil, paint products, car (lead) batteries, fluorescent bulbs, HID
lamp bulbs, mercury switches, thermostats, button (mercury type) batteries, nickel
cadmium batteries, gas air conditioners and refrigerators, and metal barrels or drums.
c. Brush; No Brush. Keep brush separate from items set out during these scheduled bulk
item pickups and do not bring brush to the bulk item drop off. See Section 4.02 and
4.03 for more information on brush disposal.
d. Yard Waste; No yard waste/leaves are accepted as part of these scheduled bulk item
pickups and do not bring yard waste to the bulk item drop off. See Section 4.03 and
4.04 for more information on Yard Waste disposal.
4. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
4.01 Recycling
a. Curbside/Alleyway Collection
1. The City provides contracted curbside/alleyway single stream recycling collection
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 4
every other week to residents within the City Service Area and by special contract.
2. Recycle materials collected are; newspapers; cereal, cake, cracker, and chip cartons;
metal food and beverage containers (aluminum, bimetal, "tin" cans); glass jars and
bottles (any color); Plastic container (#1 through #7) excluding those that
previously contained motor oil or hazardous materials, mixed paper; and
corrugated cardboard. Refer to current contract language for the most up to date
information on materials collected.
3. All recycle materials are to be placed in the single stream cart and then the cart
should be placed at the designated curb or alley location. Corrugated Cardboard
that does not fit into the single stream cart should be flattened into 3’ X 3’ pieces,
bundled with string and placed next to the single stream cart.
4. In most cases, recycling containers are to be placed at the normal refuse container
site, at least four (4) feet from the refuse container. The Public Works Department
reserves the right to designate location of recycling containers to maintain an
efficient pattern of collection and/or allow safe operations.
5. Recycle materials must be set out by 6:00 a.m. every other week on the same day as
regular refuse. The container may remain at the pick up location only on the pick
up day or until it is collected if normal pick up is delayed. A calendar with recycle
weeks designated will be sent to residential refuse customers annually.
6. Call back service is available, provided that the recyclables were set out by 6:00
a.m., properly prepared and placed into the acceptable containers. Missed
collections called into the Contractor by 12:00 p.m. on the day following pick-up
will have recycle material collected before 12:00 the next day. Missed collections
called in after 12:00 p.m. will not be serviced at the earliest possible date.
7. Items not recyclable at this time include but are not limited to; window panes, oven
proof glass (Pyrex), light bulbs, mirrors, paint cans, aerosol cans, building
materials, and any other materials listed in the current recycling collection contract
or defined by the MPCA as being non-recyclable.
b. Recycling Drop Off Center
1. The City provides a free recycling drop off center as an extra service. The drop off
is available to all residents and small businesses of Hopkins.
2. The drop off center is located at the City of Minnetonka's Operations and
Maintenance Facility at 11522 Minnetonka Boulevard.
3. Residents/businesses may drop off recyclable items 24 hours a day. The items
accepted at the drop off are the same as those collected curbside/alley side.
c. Materials are to be prepared as follows:
1. Glass jars and bottles -- Rinsed to remove remaining food substances. Remove lids
and rings. Labels do not need to be removed.
2. Metal Food Cans -- Rinsed to remove remaining food substances. It is not
necessary to remove labels or flatten cans.
3. Corrugated Cardboard – Flatten and cut into 3’ X 3’ pieces.
4. Plastic -- Rinsed to remove remaining food/detergent substances. Labels do not
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 5
need to be removed. Flattened. Plastic caps do not need to be removed.
5. Cereal, Cake, Chip and Cracker boxes. Remove food and liner, flatten box.
6. Refer to collection contract for the most up to date information regarding materials
accepted.
4.02 Brush Pick Up
a. The City provides brush pick up free (City Service Area ONLY) on a call in basis for a
designated period of time in the spring and one Tuesday in the fall. Dates are
determined by Public Works Staff. During all other Tuesdays a fee per pick-up is
charged. Fees are established by Council Resolution.
b. BRUSH DEFINITION: Tree limbs and branches up to a maximum of 6 inch diameter
and 15 foot length..includes twigs and other tree parts within size definition.
c. Brush is picked up from the boulevard side of the residence ONLY due to height
restrictions for equipment in alleys.
d. Brush must be stacked on the boulevard in a neat pile, parallel to the street. Small
twigs can be placed in cardboard boxes, but not in plastic bags. Keep brush far enough
away from containers (4 feet) to allow regular automated refuse pick up. Keep brush at
least 5 feet away from utility poles and parked cars. Do not pile brush under trees and
shrubs, behind fences or under overhead wires.
e. Normally, brush pick up is completed every Tuesday, except for holidays and during
unusual conditions such as snowstorms.
f. Calls are taken through Monday before 2:00 p.m. for scheduled pick up that Tuesday.
g. State Law prohibits mixing brush in the same container with regular household waste.
DO NOT put brush in your refuse container.
h. Only brush that is generated on Hopkins properties will be picked up. Brush from land
clearing operations will not be accepted.
4.03. Brush and Yard Waste Drop Off
a. The city provides a free Brush and Yard Waste drop off site. The site is open Monday,
Wednesday and Saturday. The site is located at 3100 Hopkins Crossroads. Dates and
hours of operation are determined by Public Works Staff.
b. All material brought to the site must be separated according to brush and yard waste
definitions in sections 4.02 and 4.04 and all material must have been generated within
the city of Hopkins boundaries.
c. Materials will not be accepted from lawn services.
4.04 Spring/Summer Yard Waste Program
a. The City provides a free yard waste pick up (City Service Area) for a designated period
of time in the spring. Dates are determined by Public Works Staff.
b. A per bag fee is charged during the non-free pick-up period. Fees will be collected by
the sale of yard waste stickers. Yard Waste Stickers must be affixed to each bag as
payment for pick up during this time period. Stickers may be obtained by stopping at
City Hall or Public Works. They may also be obtained by calling Public Works, and
ordering a minimum of ten stickers which will be mailed out, and the charge placed on
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 6
the utility bill.
c. Yard waste is picked up with a rear load refuse truck by a City crew on the same day as
regular refuse pick-up in the city service area.
d. YARD WASTE DEFINITION: Leaves (with twig stems no longer than 4 inches), grass
clippings and similar garden waste will be accepted. Items not accepted include: No
animal feces (please clean up after pets before raking your lawn), branches, vines, long
twigs, sod waste, shrub clippings, and no garden products such as melons, pumpkin,
squash, potatoes, apples, tomatoes, etc. Place unused garden products, such as these,
into your regular refuse container.
e. Yard waste must be placed in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400 standards
or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and placed at the
normal refuse container collection site the same day as scheduled refuse pick up. Keep
yard waste materials far enough away (4 feet) to allow regular automated pick up.
f. State Law prohibits mixing yard waste in the same container with regular household
waste. DO NOT put yard waste in your refuse container.
4.05 Fall Leaf/Yard Waste Collection
a. Area 1 - Belgrove, Hobby Acres, Park Ridge, Interlachen Park
1. The City provides street pick-up of leaves/yard waste in the Belgrove, Hobby
Acres, Park Ridge, and Interlachen Park areas using front-end loaders and dump
trucks. This is done because of: the amount and type of trees in these areas; the
cooperation of the neighborhood associations; and the cost savings to the City due
to the large concentrations of leaves in these areas. Residents of these areas are
encouraged to place all leaves at the curb area and avoid bagging due to this clean-
up procedure. Leaves may not be placed in the street until the day before the street
pick up. Placing leaves in the street prior to one day before pick up is a violation
of City Code 615.02 and 800.07.
2. Residents in these areas are charged a per bag fee for bags generated in the fall.
Stickers will be sold and must be affixed to each bag as payment for pick up during
this time period. Stickers may be obtained by stopping at City Hall or Public
Works. They may also be obtained by calling Public Works, and ordering a
minimum of ten stickers which will be mailed out, and the charge placed on the
utility bill.
3. Yard Waste must be placed in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D64
Standards or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and
placed at the normal refuse container collection site the same day as scheduled
refuse pick up. Keep yard waste materials far enough away (4 feet) to allow regular
automated pick up.
4. State Law prohibits mixing yard waste in the same container with regular
household waste. DO NOT put yard waste in your refuse container.
5. Residents in these neighborhoods who live on 5th Ave N., Minnetonka Mills Road,
Washington Ave N., County Roads 73 and 5, and Blake Road will receive free bag
pick up as defined in 4.05, B. Area 2 – All other areas of the City Service Area.
This is due to county restrictions and high traffic levels.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-D 7
b. Area 2 - All other areas of the City Service Area
1. The city provides free bagged leaf/yard waste pick up in the fall for all residential
refuse customers who do not live in the areas where street pick up takes place.
Dates for the free fall bagged leaf/yard waste pick up are determined by Public
Works staff.
2. A per bag fee is charged during the non-free pick-up period. Stickers will be sold
and must be affixed to each bag as payment for pick up during this time period.
Stickers may be obtained by stopping at City Hall or Public Works. They may also
be obtained by calling Public Works, and requesting that they be mailed out, and
the cost placed on the utility bill.
3. Yard Waste Definition: See section 4.04 d.
4. Leaves must be bagged in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400 standards,
or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and placed at the
normal refuse container collection site (leaf/yard waste bags, etc., must be a
minimum of 4 feet from the refuse container).
5. Weather conditions may delay the pick up and/or cause changes in the scheduling.
All efforts will be made to complete the pick up as scheduled.
6. Yard Waste is picked up with a rear load refuse truck by a City crew on the same
day as regular refuse pick-up in the defined area.
c. Yard Waste Definition: See Section 4.04 d.
1. Yard Waste must be bagged in compostable bags that meet the ASTM D6400
Standards or in a 30 gallon or smaller container (maximum weight-40 lbs.) and
placed at the normal refuse container collection site the same day as scheduled
refuse pick up. Keep yard waste materials far enough away (4 feet) to allow regular
automated pick up.
2. State Law prohibits mixing yard waste in the same container with regular
household waste. DO NOT put yard waste in your refuse container.
4.06 Christmas Tree Pick Up
a. The City provides pick up of Christmas Trees for residential refuse customers period
expires residents must call in to schedule a brush pick up for a Christmas Tree and will
be charged a fee.
Established 8/18/87
Revised 7/1/97
Revised 2/17/09
Revised 12/18/12
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 1
POLICY 8-E
STORM WATER UTILITY FEE CREDITS AND/OR ADJUSTMENTS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 To establish guidelines and procedures for the review of credits and/or adjustments of
municipal storm water drainage fees.
2. GENERAL
2.01 The municipal storm water drainage utility utilizes a fee structure based on the anticipated
relative contribution of storm drainage runoff volumes to the storm water drainage system.
A parcel's contribution is determined by that parcel's size and its land use, under the
principal that more intensively developed land uses typically have a larger percentage of
impervious surface and contribute a much greater volume of water and/or
sediment/nutrient loadings to the system.
It is recognized that some parcels, due either to their unique topographic, vegetative,
geologic and other characteristics, or the existence and maintenance of on-site storm
drainage control, detention, or retention facilities have a hydrologic and sediment/nutrient
loading response substantially different from that of similarly sized parcels of the same
land use.
To provide for an equitable assessment of storm drainage fees, based on reasonable
expected contribution of flows and sediment/nutrients, provisions need to be made to
permit adjustments or credits to the storm drainages fees for all parcel classes except Class
1 (single family and duplex residential).
3. POLICY
3.01 The basis of the City of Hopkins' storm water drainage fees is the anticipated relative
contribution of storm water volumes and sediment/nutrient loadings to the storm drainage
system from a given parcel. Where unique or unusual conditions exist where the actual
contributions of water volume and sediment/nutrient loadings from a given parcel are
substantially different from those anticipated by the storm drainage fee structure, the
Public Works Director or his designate may adjust or credit the storm drainage fee for said
parcel to an appropriate level in accordance with the guidelines and procedures specified
herein.
4. PROCEDURES
4.01 It is the responsibility of the property owner or his agent to present to the Public Works
Director or his designate, sufficient information concerning a parcel's hydrologic
characteristics to permit an accurate assessment of the conditions that exist. This
information may include, but is not limited to:
a. Site plan and certified survey showing locations of all property lines, buildings and
other development relative to lot lines.
b. The total lot area and area of impervious surfaces.
c. Site topography or contours of sufficient detail to ascertain flow directions, rates and
volumes.
d. Size, details and/or volumetric characteristics of any drainage control facilities.
e. Hydraulic calculations specifying outflow volumes and rates for various rainfall
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 2
events.
4.02 Where the unit runoff generated by a parcel differs from the assigned amount for that land
use category by more than 20%, the Public Works Director or his designate may adjust the
parcel's storm water drainage fee in accordance with the following procedure:
a. Calculations of unit runoff for the parcel shall be determined by the methods outlined
in the Soil Conservation Service Technical Release No. 55, utilizing a 2" total rainfall
amount and antecedent moisture condition II.
b. If calculated unit runoff is shown to differ from the assigned amount for that land use
category by 20% or more, than the number of assigned REF's for that parcel shall be
adjusted by multiplying by the ratio of the calculated unit runoff to the standard unit
runoff.
c. A parcel's storm water drainage fee shall be subject to increases as well as decreases
by this procedure.
d. Because single family and duplex fees are not based upon actual parcel acreage, no
adjustments for unit runoff differences will be made for those land uses.
4.03 Wet pond credits are calculated using the following methods.
A parcel may be credited for up to 40% of the storm water drainage fee for on-site
measures which are owned and maintained by the applicant which effectively reduce the
outflow of sediment/nutrients from the site. Credit percentage shall be based on 40% of the
actual percentage of sediment removal efficiency, as determined by the following
procedure, rounded to the nearest 5%; except that no credit will be given for sediment
removal efficiencies of less than 20%.
a. Determine a total site acreage and percent of site that has an improved or impervious
surface.
b. Calculate the annual depth of runoff from the following equation:
D = 0.9 P (0.05 + 0.9 I)
Where: D = annual depth of runoff in inches.
I = percent of site impervious area, expressed as a decimal
P = annual depth of precipitation = 29 inches
c. Calculate annual volume of runoff in acre-feet:
V = site acreage X (D/12)
d. Determine pond capacity below outlet elevation in acre-feet.
e. Calculate capacity inflow ratio (CIR), where:
CIR = pond capacity /V
f. Read sediment removal efficiency from the Brune's Trap Efficiency Curve.
g. Credit = 0.4 (percent sediment removal efficiency).
h. Round credit to the nearest 5% and multiply by the original storm sewer utility rate.
This will be the fee deduction for having a wet pond.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 3
4.04 Storm water detention credits are established by using the following methods.
A parcel may be credited for up to 35% of the storm water drainage fee for on-site
measures which limit storm water outflow rates from the site in accordance with the
following procedure:
a. 15% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 5-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
b. 20% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 10-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
c. 25% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 25-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
d. 30% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 50-year rainfall event to
pre-development rates.
e. 35% credit for parcels which limit peak outflow rates during a 100-year rainfall event
to pre-development rates.
f. No detention credits will be given for parcels which do not limit 5-year events to pre-
development rates.
Pre-development runoff rates shall be determined using the Rational Method of runoff
prediction with a "C" value of 0.2. Time of concentration shall be no shorter than 30
minutes.
Only one of the above credits (a-f) may be applied to each parcel. Detention ponds which
operate between the steps described above will receive the lower credit.
4.05 Credits shown in 4.03 and 4.04 above may be cumulative.
4.06 The Public Works Director reserves the right to inspect periodically all storm drainage
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-E 4
control facilities to ascertain that they are operating properly. If such a system, due to
improper maintenance or other reason, fails to detain or cleanse storm water runoff in an
effective manner, the Public Works Director may eliminate or reduce water quality or
detention credits to an appropriate level. Any such facility shall not be eligible to apply for
storm drainage fee adjustments for a period of 12 months following any credit adjustment.
Credit adjustments shall not be made retroactively.
The issuance of any building permit or other action which changes or intensifies an
existing land use shall be cause for an adjustment of storm water drainage fees to an
appropriate level.
5. AUTHORITY
5.01 City of Hopkins Ordinance No. 89-640, City Code Section 720, an ordinance establishing
a storm water drainage utility.
Established 10/12/89
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-F 1
POLICY 8-F
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The City of Hopkins believes that it is in the best interest of the residents for the city to
assume basic responsibility for control of snow and ice on city streets. Reasonable ice and
snow control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The city will provide
such control in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel
and environmental concerns. The city will use city employees, equipment and/or private
contractors to provide this service.
2. CITY CODES
2.01 Hopkins City Codes 1305.31 and 1305.33 are referenced and provide the basis for this
policy.
3. POLICY
3.01 The Hopkins Public Works Department shall endeavor to maintain the city's street system
in a safe and travelable condition. Snowplowing and sanding operations will be
accomplished by subdividing the city's transportation system into a number of
snowplowing routes equal to the number of snowplowing vehicles available.
Within each of the areas, the collector and thoroughfare streets are defined as well as areas
of steep grades and hazardous alignments that need extra care. Equipment is assigned to
these zones based on the amount of effort required.
The call out of equipment is dependent upon the time and severity of the snowfall. The
most critical times are morning and evening rush hour periods. The plan is designed, it at
all feasible, to have the snow removed from collectors, thoroughfares, and hazardous areas
prior to the beginning of these rush hour periods. Subsequent to the priorities of the rush
hour period, the remaining streets in residential and commercial areas are plowed.
Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited personnel
and equipment. Consequently, snowplowing operations will not generally be conducted
for snowfall of less than two inches.
4. SNOW EMERGENCIES
4.01 Hopkins City Code prohibits parking on any public street or parking lot, including the
parking ramp, after a snowfall of two (2) inches or more until the street has been plowed to
the curb or removed from the street. The depth of the snow is determined by city
monitoring device(s).
4.02 Cars normally parked on the street should be relocated to a parking area off the street when
there is a snowfall of two (2) inches or more. The city offers two locations for parking
during this time: 1) Lot 300 north of Downtown Park, and 2) Railroad right-of-way
between 9th and 20th Avenues. Cars parked on the street or in a municipal parking lot
(other than the two mentioned above) may be ticketed and towed to allow for efficient
snowplowing.
4.03 Snow emergencies may be declared by the Public Works Department whenever a snow
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-F 2
accumulation is two inches or greater. Snow emergencies declared after 10 p.m. will result
in towing operations beginning at 8 a.m. on the following day.
4.04 If a snow emergency is declared, the Police Department will initiate notification
procedures and will coordinate with public works on the removal of illegally parked
vehicles.
4.05 Notification of snow emergencies will be accomplished in two ways:
a. Police Department will place a recorded message on the Police Department's "SNOW
LINE" detailing local snow plowing/towing regulations, whether or not a "snow
emergency" has been declared, and procedures to follow when claiming a vehicle that
has been towed. The snow line may be accessed by dialing 939-1399.
b. Police Department will notify WCCO AM radio and WCCO TV to request public
notification of a snow emergency and to outline the regulations stated in Section 4.01
and 4.02.
4.06 Coordination of the towing and retrieving of vehicles shall be the responsibility of the
Police Department.
5. PROCEDURE
5.01 How snow will be plowed. Snow will be plowed in a manner so as to minimize any traffic
obstructions. In most situations, the center of the roadway will be plowed first. The snow
shall then be pushed from left to right. The discharge shall go onto the boulevard area of
the street. When a plow goes on a bridge, the driver shall slow down so that snow does not
go over the bridge if possible. In times of extreme snowfall, streets will not always
immediately be able to be completely cleared of snow.
5.02 Snow Removal. The Public Works Department will determine when snow will be
removed by truck from an area. Such snow removal will occur in areas where there is no
room on the boulevard for snow storage and in areas where accumulated piles of snow
create a hazardous condition. Snow removal operations will not commence until other
snowplowing operations have been completed. Snow removal operations may also be
delayed depending on weather conditions, personnel and budget availability. The snow
will be removed and hauled to a snow storage area. The snow storage area will be located
so as to minimize environmental problems.
5.03 Priorities and schedule for which streets will be plowed. The city has classified city
streets based on the street function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the
community. Those streets having high priority will be plowed first. These are high volume
streets which connect major sections of the city and provide access for emergency fire,
police and medical services.
The second priority streets are those streets providing access to schools and commercial
businesses. The third priority streets are low volume residential streets. The fourth priority
area are alleys and city parking lots. As mentioned in the policy statement, the
snowplowing and sanding operations will be accomplished by subdividing the city's
transportation system into a number of snowplowing routes equal to the number of
snowplowing vehicles available.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-F 3
5.04 Work schedule for snowplow operators. Snowplow operators will be expected to work
eight-hour shifts. In severe snow emergencies, operators sometimes have to work in excess
of eight-hour shifts. However, because of budget and safety concerns, the city will try not
to work operators more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.
5.05 Weather conditions. Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when
weather conditions do not endanger the safety of city employees and equipment. Factors
that may delay snow and ice control operations include: severe cold, significant winds and
limited visibility.
5.06 Use of sand, salt and other chemicals. The city will use sand, salt, and other chemicals
when there are hazardous ice or slippery conditions. The city is concerned about the effect
of such chemicals on the environment and will limit its use for that reason.
6. SIDEWALKS
6.01 Sidewalks - Hopkins City Code requires an owner or the occupant of any property adjacent
to a public sidewalk to remove snow or ice within 12 hours of its deposit. If this is not
done, the city may remove the snow or ice and bill the property owner. Compliance with
this ordinance requirement will help ensure the safety of all.
7. REFUSE CONTAINERS
7.01 Hopkins legislative policies require that refuse containers be accessible for pick-up and
placed off street or alley to allow snow removal. This container may have to be placed in
the driveway to meet both of these requirements. It is the responsibility of the resident to
see that the container is not in the way of the snowplow and is also in a spot accessible to
the garbage truck. Whenever possible, the Public Works Department will attempt to plow
the refuse pick-up route early.
8. MAILBOXES
8.01 Mailboxes damaged during snow removal will not be replaced by the city, unless there is
physical evidence that the snow removal vehicle actually hit the mailbox. If, due to snow
build-up on the boulevards, mailboxes are tipped or knocked over from the weight of the
snow, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to repair or replace the mailbox.
If the city is responsible, the mailbox will be replaced with comparable quality items.
Residents are responsible for keeping the mailbox cleared for Post Office deliveries.
9. FIRE HYDRANTS
9.01 Fire hydrants are critical to minimize the potential losses involved in any fire. The Public
Works and Fire Departments attempt to clear access to hydrants as quickly as possible after
a storm.
Residents are encouraged to assist the city by clearing hydrants near their property. If
possible, they should be cleared five feet on each side to allow Fire Department access.
10. SAFETY
10.1 Minnesota statute and Hopkins City Code prohibit plowing, shoveling, blowing, or placing
snow onto public roadways and boulevards. Placing snow on a public roadway can subject
a person to civil liability if a road hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut, or bump
occurs and causes a traffic accident.
Established 10/17/91
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-G 1
POLICY 8-G
SIDEWALK REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all sidewalks along the streets in the City of
Hopkins are kept and maintained in a safe condition for use by the public.
1.02 This policy relates to repairs of sidewalks as outlined in Section 820.07 of the Hopkins
City Code. The repair of sidewalks outlined in this section are eligible to be assessed under
authorization of Minnesota State Statutes Chapter 429.
2. POLICY
2.01 It shall be the policy of the City to inspect sidewalks along city streets once every six years
in accordance with the zones designated on the Sidewalk and Alley Repair Zone Map.
Following sidewalk inspection, recommendations for repair will be made to the City
Engineer.
2.02 Sidewalks shall be repaired in accordance with the most current version of the Minnesota
Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Construction.
3. RESPONSIBILITY
3.01 It shall be the responsibility of the City Engineering division to perform sidewalk
inspections on all such sidewalks designated for inspection during each given year.
4. PROCEDURES
4.01 By reason of the fact that the following sidewalk conditions endanger life, limb, and
property, they are hereby declared to be nuisances, to wit:
(a) Any crack fissure, 1/2 inch or greater raise between panels, hump, unevenness or
condition therein of such width, height, depth or form that pedestrians lawfully using
such walk might catch their shoes, feet, canes, crutches or other proper implements
thereon or therein; or which might cause pedestrians using such walk to trip, stumble,
or fall; or which endanger the use of such walks for travel with wheelchairs,
perambulators or similar conveyances.
(b) Sags or depressions which are considered hazardous by the City Engineer.
(c) Accumulations of sod, vegetation or other materials creating hazardous conditions on
such sidewalks, and any such accumulations extending more than three (3) inches over
the edge of the sidewalk.
(d) Water service valve covers on the sidewalk which are not flush with the walk.
Any such conditions noted during a sidewalk inspection or otherwise observed by city
employees will be recommended for repair to the City Engineer.
4.02 Complaints regarding sidewalks shall be forwarded to the City Engineer. Following receipt
of a complaint, the City Engineering division will inspect the problem area and determine
if repairs are necessary under this policy. Such repairs will then be recommended by the
City Engineer.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-G 2
Established 4/21/92
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-H 1
POLICY 8-H
STREET RESTORATION REIMBURSEMENT
FOR PRIVATE UTILITY SERVICE REPAIRS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The Hopkins City Council recognizes that from time to time property owners experience
very expensive street restoration costs when they are required to repair their water or sewer
service within the city right-of-way. The City Council furthermore recognizes that some
property owners may experience a situation where they may be paying an amount that is
substantially higher than the average street restoration cost.
1.02 The purpose of this policy is to outline policies and procedures for reimbursing property
owners who experience extremely high street restoration costs when performing repairs to
their private water and sanitary sewer service within the city right-of-way.
2. ELIGIBILITY FOR REIMBURSEMENT
2.01 Property owners of homesteaded single family or duplex properties are eligible for street
restoration reimbursement under this policy. All other property owners are ineligible.
3. REIMBURSEMENT CONDITIONS
3.01 Property owners may request reimbursement for all street restoration costs that exceed One
Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,250) for each service repair they experience.
3.02 The only street restoration costs eligible for reimbursement are those costs associated with
removing and replacing the pavement section and public sidewalk. These items include:
bituminous or concrete pavement, curb and gutter, pavement base course, and the public
sidewalk. Items not included are: backfilling, grading, sod, private walks, carriage walks,
disposal fees, hauling costs, traffic control, or any other work not directly related to
replacing the roadway pavement or public sidewalk.
3.03 Property owners shall be ineligible for street restoration reimbursement when falsifying
information requested by the city in processing the reimbursement. City staff shall have the
authority to deny any such claims. Claims may be denied completely, or in portions.
3.04 Property owners may appeal reimbursement denials to the Hopkins City Council after
submitting their appeal in writing to the Hopkins City Manager. The appeal shall contain
the reason for the appeal as well as all pertinent information that may be needed by the
City Council in reviewing the appeal.
4. REIMBURSEMENT NOTIFICATION
4.01 Notification of the City's reimbursement policy will be distributed to both the person
applying for the plumbing permit, and to the property owner.
4.02 The plumbing permit applicant will receive notice of the city's reimbursement policy when
applying for the plumbing permit.
4.03 The property owner will be mailed notice of the city's reimbursement policy subsequent to
the plumbing permit being approved by the city's Inspection division.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-H 2
5. REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURE
5.01 Street restoration reimbursement requests shall be submitted to the Engineering
Superintendent or his designee, after full payment has been made by the property owner to
the plumbing contractor.
5.02 The reimbursement shall be in writing by the property owner and contain itemized costs
submitted by the plumbing contractor for the entire repair. The information required
includes repairs to the utility service and to the city right-of-way.
5.03 The reimbursement amount will be the lowest of:
5.03.1 The quantities submitted and verified in the reimbursement request at the current
unit prices paid by the City to its general street restoration contractor x 1.2 or
5.03.2 The actual prices paid by the property owner
The difference between this amount and $1,250 will be paid as a reimbursement to the
property owner. The city shall have full authority to request additional information from
the property owner, or the plumbing contractor, when verifying requests.
5.04 Any repair not acceptable to the city shall be corrected to the city's satisfaction prior to any
reimbursement being made by the city.
5.05 After the Engineering Superintendent or his designee has approved the street repair and the
reimbursement information, the reimbursement shall be forwarded to the city's Finance
department for issuance of a reimbursement check.
5.06 The city's Finance department shall follow all established policies and procedures when
issuing the reimbursement.
6. REIMBURSEMENT FUNDING
6.01 The funds for reimbursements shall be provided by the city's water and sanitary sewer
funds. The water fund shall provide funds for reimbursements associated with water
service repairs, and the sanitary sewer fund for reimbursements associated with sanitary
sewer service repairs. In the event that repairs are made to both the water and sanitary
sewer services the reimbursements shall be funded 50% from the water fund, and 50%
from the sanitary sewer fund.
7. REIMBURSEMENT DEADLINES
7.01 Reimbursement must be submitted in writing to the city's Engineering Superintendent or
his designee within 60 days of issuance of the plumbing permit. Reimbursement requests
submitted after this date shall be ineligible for reimbursement. The only exception to this
rule will be in cases where restoration must be delayed due to weather conditions.
8. EFFECTIVE DATE
8.01 This policy shall be effective as of January 1, 1994. All private service repairs made after
this date shall be eligible for reimbursement. Service repair dates shall be determined by
the date of plumbing permit issuance. The 60-day reimbursement deadline contained in
section 6.01 shall be waived for all service repairs made between January 1, 1994 and the
adoption date of this policy.
Established 7/19/94
Revised 12/18/2012
City of Hopkins
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-I 1
POLICY 8-I
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
1. VISION
This Complete Streets Policy incorporates the City of Hopkins’ belief that streets and
roadways should be designed and operated to be safe and accessible for all transportation
users whether they are pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders or vehicular motorists.
Transportation shall include all multi-modal users regardless of age or ability.
2. PURPOSE/BENEFIT
Complete streets will create transportation corridors that are safe, functional and
aesthetically attractive for all users as supported by the following principles:
1. Safety
a. The guiding principle of Complete Streets is to provide safety for all road users.
2. Public Health
a. The City of Hopkins can promote public health and physical activity through the
constructed environment.
3. Access and Transportation Equity
a. Not all residents of the City drive a vehicle and rely on safe alternative modes of
transportation such as walking or biking. 4. Affordable Transportation Choices
a. Gas prices are constantly fluctuating and alternative modes of transportation should be
supported.
5. Economic Development
a. Walking and biking offer additional means to access businesses and encourage
economic development.
6. Environment
a. Complete Streets supports many transportation options that help lessen dependence on
oil and promote cleaner air.
7. Cost Effectiveness
a. Designing roads with all users in mind from the beginning reduces costly retrofits.
8. Quality of Life/Social Capital
a. Walkable neighborhoods increase community interaction and promote a small town
feel.
B. COMPLETE STREETS ELEMENTS:
a. Transportation improvements will include facilities and amenities that are recognized as
contributing to Complete Streets, which may include street and sidewalk lighting;
sidewalks and pedestrian safety improvements such as median refuges or crosswalk
improvements; improvements that provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
compliant accessibility; transit accommodations including improved pedestrian access to
the Light Rail Stations; bicycle accommodations, shared-use lanes, wide travel lanes or
bike lanes as appropriate; and street trees, boulevard landscaping, street furniture and
adequate drainage facilities.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-I 2
C. PLANNING AND DESIGN:
a. Early consideration of all modes for all users will be important to the success of this
Policy. Those planning and designing street projects will give due consideration to
bicyclists and pedestrians, from the very start of planning and design work. This will apply
to all roadway projects, including those involving new construction, reconstruction, or
changes in the allocation of pavement space on an existing roadway.
b. It will be important to the success of the Complete Streets policy to ensure that the project
development process includes early consideration of the land use and transportation
context of the project, the identification of gaps or deficiencies in the network for various
user groups that could be addressed by the project, and an assessment of the tradeoffs to
balance the needs of all users. The context factors that should be given high priority
include the following:
i. Whether the corridor provides a primary access to a significant destination such as a
community or regional park or recreational area, a school, a shopping / commercial
area, or an employment center;
ii. Whether the corridor provides access across a natural or man-made barrier such as a
river or freeway;
iii. Whether the corridor is in an area where a relatively high number of users of non-
motorized transportation modes can be anticipated;
iv. Whether a road corridor provides important continuity or connectivity links for an
existing trail or path network; or
v. Whether nearby routes that provide a similar level of convenience and connectivity
already exist.
c. The design of new or reconstructed facilities should anticipate likely future demand for
bicycling and walking and should not preclude the provision of future improvements. [For
example, under most circumstances bridges (which last for 75 years or more) should be
built with sufficient width for safe bicycle and pedestrian use in anticipation of a future
need for such facilities].
d. The City will generally follow accepted or adopted design standards when implementing
improvements intended to fulfill this Complete Streets policy but will consider innovative
or non-traditional design options where a comparable level of safety for users is present.
D. POLICY EXEMPTIONS:
a. Consideration of bicyclist and pedestrian transportation users shall be included in street
construction, re-construction, re-paving, and re-habilitation projects, except under one or
more of the following conditions:
i. A project involves only ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in
serviceable condition, such as mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, concrete joint
repair, or pothole filling, or when interim measures are implemented on temporary
detour or haul routes.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 8-I 3
ii. The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner determine there is
insufficient space to safely accommodate new facilities.
iii. The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner determine there are
relatively high safety risks.
iv. The City Council exempts a project due to the excessive and disproportionate cost of
establishing a bikeway, walkway or transit enhancement as part of a project.
v. The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner jointly determine that the
construction is not practically feasible or cost effective because of significant or
adverse environmental impacts to streams, flood plains, remnants of native vegetation,
wetlands, steep slopes or other critical areas, or due to impacts on neighboring land
uses, including impact from right of way acquisition.
4. IMPLEMENTATION
The Complete Streets Policy will become effective upon approval of the City Council and will be
implemented through the following practices:
1. City street construction and reconstruction projects shall be reviewed at staff level by the City
Engineer, Public Works Director and City Planner to determine appropriate level of complete
street implementation. Greater attention will be made to those projects within the Downtown
and Transit Oriented Development Districts.
2. The City will work with governmental agencies such as Hennepin County and Minnesota
Department of Transportation to encourage incorporation of the City’s Complete Street policy
into street and road projects under their jurisdiction.
3. Update City’s Comprehensive Plan to include Complete Streets policy.
4. The City will maintain a comprehensive inventory of the pedestrian and bicycling facility
infrastructure integrated with the Capital Improvements Plan and will carry out projects to
eliminate gaps in the sidewalk and trail networks where feasible.
5. Complete Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of
smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time.
6. The City will develop implementation strategies that may include evaluating and revising
manuals and practices, developing and adopting network plans, identifying goals and targets,
and tracking measures such as safety and modal shifts to gauge success.
7. Staff will continuously educate themselves, Council and Planning Commission members about
best practices and cost-effective measures to design and construct Complete Streets.
Revised 05/2013
City of Hopkins