IV.3. Minutes of the July 23, 2019 City Council Work Session ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 23, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 6:33 p.m. at the Hopkins Pavilion, 11000
Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Member Brausen, Halverson,
Hunke and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance
Director Bishop, Assistant City Manager Lenz, Public Works Director Stadler and
Streets and Parks Superintendent Strachota.
Oh behalf of the Council, Mayor Gadd thanked Public Works for their efforts during the
Raspberry Festival.
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY REVISIONS
Public Works Director Stadler and Streets and Parks Superintendent Strachota
discussed the revisions to the Snow and Ice Control Policy. Mr. Stadler commented that
the recommendations have been discussed with the Police Department. The revisions
include on-street parking restrictions during the winter months. Residents would be
informed through notices and education efforts. Mr. Stadler discussed changes to the
ticketing and towing policy for on-street parking violations. Council Member Hunke
asked for an explanation between ticketing and towing. Streets and Parks
Superintendent Strachota explained that during the snow emergencies vehicles would
be given 24-hour notice to move their vehicle or it would be towed. Mr. Stadler
commented that the ability to call a snow emergency in the early morning hours would
allow Public Works staff to begin plowing sooner with the assist of the Police
Department to locate owners of parked vehicles. The goal is begin plowing as soon as
possible after a snowfall event. Staff discussed notification efforts for the transition to
winter parking restrictions in the Central Business District. Mr. Stadler commented that
the recommended changes would be on the August 5th City Council agenda. Council
Member Brausen asked about the areas designated for on-street parking restrictions.
Mr. Strachota commented that the proposed streets have more readily available off-
street parking. Mayor Gadd commented on the importance of the education efforts
about the changes and Council Member Brausen asked about public notification. Mr.
Stadler discussed the ways the City would promote the changes, including the Hopkins
Highlights, city website and Hopkins Apartment Managers’ Association. Assistant City
Manager Lenz asked about off-street parking areas and enforcement. Mr. Strachota
discussed the available snow emergency parking lots and commented that the Hopkins
Police Department would have the ability to track owners of vehicles that need to be
moved. General feedback from the City Council was in support of the proposed
changes.
2020 – 2024 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN (ERP) AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP)
Finance Director Bishop gave an overview of the Equipment Replacement Plan (ERP),
a 5-year plan that is updated annually. Mr. Bishop discussed what is included in the
ERP, the funding sources and the proposed 2020 increase. The 2020 proposed total
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 23, 2019
projects are $801,000, an increase of $99,276 from 2019. Mr. Bishop discussed what
equipment is included in the proposed increase and commented that the fund ending
balance is projected to be $19,000. Mr. Bishop gave an overview of the 2021-2024
proposed equipment purchases.
Mayor Gadd commented that this is a preliminary look at the ERP and Council and staff
would go over more details at a future Work Session. There was Council discussion
regarding Public Works vehicles. Mr. Stadler explained the Wheel Loader, which is used
for alley plowing, was added to the ERP replacing another piece of equipment. Council
Member Brausen asked how the City disposes of older equipment. Mr. Stadler
commented that a minimum amount is assigned to the equipment and then the
equipment is sent to a municipal auction. Council Member Brausen asked about the
$19,000 balance and what would happen if additional funds were needed for
emergency equipment replacement. Mr. Bishop commented that there would be a
deficit in the fund and Mr. Mornson commented that departments could offset the
needed funds with cuts or holding off on another purchase. Mr. Mornson commented
that Public Works does a good job maintaining their equipment. Mayor Gadd asked
about the increased costs for the Fire Department equipment. Mr. Bishop would update
the Council. Ms. Lenz commented on the needs and significant costs of maintaining and
upgrading technology. City Manager Mornson commented that Council should send
their questions to city staff and that the ERP would be on a future Work Session
agenda.
Mr. Bishop gave an overview of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a 5-year plan that
is updated annually. Mr. Bishop discussed what is included in the fund, funding sources
and projected end balance. Mr. Bishop discussed the Park Dedication fund commenting
that the Central Park project is no longer included. Mr. Bishop discussed the funding
sources commenting that the fund is projected to end with a negative balance. Mr.
Stadler commented that the Valley Park picnic shelter is scheduled for replacement in
2020. Mr. Bishop commented that Cottageville Park phase 2 is asking for $230,000 of
support and Downtown Park is asking for $200,000 of support. Mr. Bishop discussed
the Permanent Improvement fund, funding sources and projects. The projects include
the first half of the Interlachen Neighborhood street reconstruction project as well as
four new projects. Mayor Gadd commented that residents have requested the Hopkins
Crossroads trail segments. There was discussion about bonding for the entire amount.
Mr. Bishop discussed the Pavilion Fund, funding sources and projects. Mr. Stadler
discussed the signal replacement costs at 5th Avenue and Minnetonka Mills Road and
needed ADA upgrades.
Mr. Bishop discussed the next steps in the budget process. The General Fund budget is
scheduled on the August 13 Work Session agenda and staff would review the ERP and
CIP again with Council at a future meeting. Council should send questions and
comments to staff. Mr. Mornson commented that Council Members could arrange for
more a more in depth budget discussion with the Finance Director.
There was discussion regarding the resignation of a Park Board member and
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JULY 23, 2019
appointment of a candidate.
There was discussion of a Hopkins Interlachen resident’s comments about street
reconstruction and area concerns and how to respond to the comments. Mr. Stadler
commented on the City’s large investment in its infrastructure and the proven Street
Reconstruction Policy.
UPDATES
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
• The next City Council meeting is Monday, August 5.
• National Night Out is Tuesday, August 6 and the kick-off event is at Burnes Park.
• City Council walk-through tour of the City Hall construction project.
• A branding update is scheduled on the August 5 agenda.
• The filing period for City Council begins Tuesday, July 30.
• A duplex on Blake Road is scheduled for demolition.
• Hopkins and Minnetonka staff would be meeting Friday, July 26 regarding the Shady
Oak development and property annexation.
• Staff would be meeting on Friday, August 2 with Doran property owner.
• Mr. Mornson gave an update on League of Minnesota Cities meetings and vacation
schedule.
• Discussion about upcoming projects within the City.
• Ms. Lenz discussed potential Liquor License revisions and limitations for
entertainment businesses. Staff would bring a draft back to Council for review.
• Ms. Lenz discussed the Food Truck policy and feedback from community members.
The City Council would like to revisit the policy.
City Council gave the following updates:
• Council Member Brausen would like an update from staff on the Cold Storage site.
• Council Member Brausen discussed a resident comment about the condition of the
trail and former railroad bridge over Highway 7.
• Mayor Gadd commented that City Council members need to review the Police
Department and Fire Department personnel budget requests.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Brausen, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk