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IV.3. Minutes of the February 12, 2019 City Council Work Session Proceedings HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS FEBRUARY 11, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2019 at 6:31 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall, 1010 First Street South, Hopkins. Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Member Gadd, Halverson and Hunke attending. Council Member Kuznia was absent. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Director of Planning and Development Elverum, Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Planner Lindahl, Public Works Director Stadler and City Engineer Stanley. UPDATES TO LEGISLATIVE POLICY – CHAPTER 8 City Engineer Stanley discussed the proposed changes and reasons for the revisions to the street improvement policy. Mr. Stanley commented that staff is proposing to add concrete curb and gutter as standard language to the policy. Mr. Stanley explained that curb and gutter is a critical component of street reconstruction and preservation. Staff is also proposing that the minimum street width be 26 feet with some exclusions. The 26- foot street width is a recommendation of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Mr. Stanley discussed the assessment cap and explained that the assessments would continue to be calculated per the City Policy. Mr. Stanley explained that staff cleaned up, made changes and simplified language in the policy. Mr. Stanley commented that a statement would be included that assessed property owners would not subject to other assessments within the project. The policy is scheduled to be on the February 19, 2019 City Council agenda and City Council Members could direct comments or questions regarding the Policy to staff. Council Member Gadd commented that the clearer language and changes to the policy made sense. Mayor Cummings asked about curb and gutter. Mr. Stanley commented that the City makes a large investment in the roadways and that curb and gutter is the most cost effective way to maintain the roads and that it does not reduce property values. Mayor Cummings commented on the importance to educate and be upfront with property owners. Mr. Stanley commented that staff would discuss curb and gutter at the neighborhood meetings and focus on educating property owners. Public Works Director Stadler commented that 70% of the roadway reconstruction is paid for by the City and as good stewards of the general fund it is important to protect the roadways with the addition of curb and gutter. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES In addition to city staff, representatives present for the item were Senator Ron Latz and Representative Cheryl Youakim. City Manager Mornson and Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation and the request for special legislation to broaden the Housing and Redevelopment Act. Ms. Elverum explained that the City has some significant redevelopment sites and the special legislation would give the City more flexibility going forward. Mayor Cummings asked about the process and timing of HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS FEBRUARY 11, 2019 redrafting a bill. State Representative Youakim discussed the legislative process. Mr. Mornson commented that staff would draft cover letter. Representative Youakim gave an update on committee assignments, agenda items and bills she is carrying. Mayor Cummings asked about City and School District broad support and the Housing Tax Credit. Representative Youakim commented that it is beneficial for a City to sign a letter of support. Senator Latz gave an update on committee assignments, agenda items and status of senate bills. Mayor Cummings asked about the paid family medical leave bill, the red flag provision and restoring of voting rights. There was discussion regarding proposals in the bills. Council Member Gadd asked about the tax exemption and affordable housing regulation for builders. There was discussion of support and resistance to the bills. Mayor Cummings thanked Senator Latz and Representative Youakim for their representation. AUTO RELATED USES MORATORIUM UPDATE City Planner Lindahl gave an update on the Auto Related Uses Moratorium and zoning text amendments. Mr. Lindahl discussed the background of the process to date, public engagement and feedback from property owners. Mr. Lindahl commented that the City received letters from Luther Companies and the Hometown Auto Care property owner. Mr. Lindahl gave a summary of the public engagement process and discussion. Mr. Lindahl discussed the proposed rezoning and commented that a consistent zoning pattern is important in the downtown district. The former Firestone property is the only property impacted by the rezoning. All property owners were mailed information regarding the rezoning and the potential purchaser of the Firestone property supported the zoning change. Mr. Lindahl discussed the comments from the Hometown Auto property owner and staff response. Mr. Lindahl discussed the changes and clarifications of the standards and explained that many of the comments about the current proposal were technical that staff would work through with the property owners. Mr. Lindahl discussed the next steps in the process. Staff would meet with effected business owners, the Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing is scheduled for February 22 and the ordinance would be on the March 5 City Council agenda. The schedule is ahead of the May moratorium expiration. Mayor Cummings asked about Hometown Auto Care comments. A summary of their comments was distributed to the City Council. Linda McGinty representing Luther Companies came forward and addressed the Council. Ms. McGinty discussed the automotive industry business model, requirements of a new car franchise, impacts that affect auto businesses and concerns of over regulation. There was discussion about the impact to residential and Luther Companies intent to be good neighbors. Mr. Lindahl commented on the technical standard issues and that staff is confident that they can work through the technical issues to achieve the same goal and use the correct terms. HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS FEBRUARY 11, 2019 Council Member Hunke commented that staff did a good job working out the issues. Council Member Gadd likes the standardization of the ordinance. Council Member Halverson commented that the public feedback has helped achieve the standards. Mayor Cummings asked about the parking area ratio. Mr. Lindahl showed examples of building to parking/display area and commented that the standard has not changed for auto sales but does apply to auto repair. Mr. Lindahl commented that if the standard were changed it would be more complex to understand. City Council consensus was to move forward with the process and stay with the timeframe. City Council Members could direct comments or questions regarding the Ordinance to staff. Mayor Cummings commented that staff and Council have been thoughtful through the process and respectful to the needs of the auto uses. UPDATES  Council Member Hunke would attend the League of Women Voters meeting.  Council Member Hunke notified Commissioner Callison of his interest in serving on the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County.  Council Member Gadd shared the written response from the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) regarding the Affordable Housing Bill.  Council Member Gadd would attend the LMC legislative event.  Mayor Cummings discussed Local Government Aid (LGA).  Mayor Cummings discussed meetings and events attended.  Mayor Cummings commented that a resident who attended the State of the City event and is interested in getting more involved with the City.  Mayor Cummings was asked to be Leadership Fellow for the LMC. City Manager Mornson gave the following update:  Duluth LMC conference details. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Hunke, second by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Vold ATTEST: ___________________________ ____________________________ Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk