IV.1. Minutes of the February 19, 2019 City Council Regular Meeting Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council
was held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins Fire Station, 101
17th Avenue South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Members Kuznia, Halverson,
Gadd, Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance Director
Bishop, City Clerk Domeier, Fire Chief Specken, Public Works Director Stadler and
Community Development Coordinator Youngquist.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Halverson. Second by Kuznia.
Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Ayes: Kuznia, Halverson, Cummings, Gadd, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
III.1. Update on the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser
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Tarrah Palm, ResourceWest Executive Director, invited the community to attend the 21
Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser on Tuesday, March 12 at Hopkins Center for the Arts.
All proceeds benefit the ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest. Volunteer and donation
opportunities are still available. Mayor Cummings read the proclamation declaring
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March 12 as Empty Bowls Day in the City of Hopkins.
III.2. Fire Department Annual Report
Fire Chief Specken gave an overview of the 2018 year-end report. Chief Specken
discussed call statistics, fire incidents, fire loss by property and mutual aid given and
received. The Fire Department has seen an increase in medical calls and provided over
800 hours of public education opportunities. The Hopkins Fire Department’s average
response time is 4.2 minutes. Chief Specken reviewed the Chemical Assessment Team
(CAT) and 2019 goals which include recruitment and retention efforts, updates to the
Strategic and Emergency Operations Plan, succession planning and the implementation
of mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and cancer reduction
programs. Fire Chief Specken discussed fire safety grant programs and the Insurance
Service Office (ISO) rating. Fire Chief Specken thanked the City Council, city staff and
Hopkins citizens for their support.
Council Member Halverson commented that the ISO rating is good for both
homeowners and businesses. Fire Chief Specken commented that the ISO rating would
be promoted through city publications and social media. Council Member Kuznia asked
about the average training costs for fire fighters. Chief Specken commented that the
average cost to train a fire fighter is $10,000-15,000 and the department needs to retain
a fire fighter for 5-years to offset the costs. Council Member Gadd commented on the
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
goals to protect the firefighters and prevention initiatives. Council Member Hunke
appreciates how the department connects with the community. Mayor Cummings asked
about the grants and commented that the Helping Paws organization is working with
those suffering from PTSD. Fire Chief Specken commented that the department is
waiting to hear on a number of grant applications.
The Council thanked Chief Specken for his leadership, commented on the impressive
4.2 minute response time and commended the Fire Department for all they do for the
citizens of Hopkins.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Cummings commented there was a date and an organization name correction to
Consent Agenda item 3.
Motion by Gadd. Second by Kuznia.
Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda as amended.
1. Minutes of the February 5, 2019 City Council Regular Meeting Proceedings
2. Minutes of the February 5, 2019 City Council Work Session following Regular
Meeting Proceedings
3. Minutes of the February 12, 2019 City Council Work Session Proceedings
4. Revise Legislative Policy Manual Chapter 8
5. Second Reading: Ordinance 2019-1137 Amending Section 335 of the
Hopkins City Code
Ayes: Kuznia, Halverson, Cummings, Gadd, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
V.1. 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Community Development Coordinator Youngquist gave an overview of the CDBG funds
and goals of the program. Ms. Youngquist commented that Hopkins is eligible to receive
an estimated $134,000 to fund the Housing Rehabilitation Program and that area social
service agencies can make application to Hennepin County for an overall fifteen percent
allocation of the CDBG funds. In 2018 the Housing Rehabilitation Program helped 5
homeowners and it is anticipated that the 2019 program would assist an additional 5-6
households with one household already on the wait list. Council Member Hunke asked
how homeowners apply for funds. Ms. Youngquist explained the application process
and that the program would be promoted through city publications. Council Member
Halverson asked about the loan amount. Ms. Youngquist explained the loan process
and commented that homeowners can qualify up to a $25,000 loan.
Mayor Cummings opened the public hearing at 7:47 pm. No residents came forward to
address the Council.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
Motion by Kuznia. Second by Hunke.
Motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Ayes: Halverson, Kuznia, Cummings, Gadd, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motion by Kuznia. Second by Halverson.
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2019-013, Resolution Approving Proposed Use of
2019 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant Program
Funds and Authorizing Execution of Sub recipient Agreement with Hennepin
County.
Ayes: Halverson, Kuznia, Cummings, Gadd, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
VII.1. Resolution Establishing Legislative Policy 7-G – Fair Housing Policy
Community Development Coordinator Youngquist gave an overview of the Fair Housing
Act and Fair Housing Policy. Ms. Youngquist explained that the Metropolitan Council
requires that cities who apply for Livable Communities Grants adopt a Fair Housing
Policy. Ms. Youngquist gave an overview of the purpose as well as external and internal
practices. The policy has been reviewed by the City Attorney. Ms. Youngquist
commented that one change that Hopkins added was that the policy would be
translated for Somali and Spanish native languages.
Motion by Halverson. Second by Gadd.
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2019-11 establishing Legislative Policy 7-G Fair
Housing Policy.
Ayes: Kuznia, Halverson, Cummings, Gadd, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried
VII.2. Fourth Quarter Financial Report
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Finance Director Bishop gave and overview of the 2018 4 Quarter Financial
preliminary and unaudited report. Mr. Bishop gave an overview of the General Fund and
Special Revenue Funds, comparison to prior years and ending fund balances. Mr.
Bishop gave explanation of expenditures and financial position. Mr. Bishop discussed
the Depot Coffee House coffee operation and youth project budgets and the actions
taken towards the goal of being profitable. Mr. Bishop discussed the Arts Center
projected fund balance and year-end deficit. Mr. Bishop gave an overview of the
Enterprise Fund revenues and financial position. Staff would continue to evaluate the
funds. Mr. Bishop discussed the next steps of issuing the 2019 bonds, reviewing the
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REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
FEBRUARY 19, 2019
water and sewer rates and expenses, preparing for the audit and issuing the financial
statements before June 30, 2019.
There was Council discussion about the Parking Fund allocation, bonding for the
SWLRT project and Economic Development expenditures. Mr. Bishop discussed the
2019 Parking Fund budget, the three SWLRT agreements and funding sources and
explained that the Economic Development fund is flexible to allow projects move
forward. Mayor Cummings thanked Finance Director Bishop for the report.
VII.3. Resolution Approving the 2019 Goals and Strategic Plan
City Manager Mornson discussed the 2019 Mission, Vision and Goals. Mr. Mornson
commented on the positive comments from community members about the city and
staff. Mr. Mornson discussed the 2018 accomplishments and what is upcoming in 2019.
Motion by Hunke. Second by Kuznia.
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2019-008, Affirming the City of Hopkins Mission
Statement and Adopting the 2019 Goals and Strategic Plan for the City of
Hopkins.
Ayes: Kuznia, Halverson, Cummings, Gadd, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Empty Bowls Event Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Hunger at the Hopkins
Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet: Tuesday, March 12 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
World’s Shortest St. Patrick Day Parade from Hopkins Elks Lodge to the Hopkins
American Legion: Sunday, March 17 – 2 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
OPEN AGENDA – PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
The City Council did not receive any comments or concerns.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ __________________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk