IV.2. Minutes of the August 5, 2019 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting ProceedingsMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, August 5, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 7:44 p.m. at the Hopkins Fire Station, 101 17th
Avenue South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Brausen, Kuznia,
Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance
Director Bishop, Director of Planning and Development Elverum, Assistant City
Manager Lenz, Public Works Director Stadler and Community Development Coordinator
Youngquist.
Community Development:
Director of Planning and Development Elverum gave an update on the 325 Blake Road
redevelopment project. Ms. Elverum discussed the background of the 17-acre site,
community input and process to select a project developer. Ms. Elverum explained that
the developer and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) could not come to
an agreement on the terms. Ms. Elverum discussed the approach to the development
and possible reasons why the design concept didn’t develop. Mayor Gadd asked about
the property value. Ms. Elverum commented on the fair market value and lack of
comparable properties. Ms. Elverum commented that the Redevelopment Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) district expires in the year 2021 and that developers are still
interested in the project. Council Member Brausen asked about the funding. Ms.
Elverum discussed the grant funding requirements. There was much discussion about
the importance of communication and relationships among the project partners. Ms.
Elverum discussed the staff’s recommendation to clarify the City’s goals for the
development. Council Member Brausen commented that with impending funding
deadlines it is important to figure out ways to work together and move the project
forward. Council and staff discussed ways to eliminate the stalemate and move forward
on the project, which is a unique site and a fantastic opportunity. Ms. Elverum
commented that staff would work on an approach on how to move the project forward
and would keep the Council updated.
Ms. Elverum gave the following updates:
• An ammunition and gun sales business is interested in a Hopkins location but the
location does not meet the zoning code requirements.
• Council Member Hunke discussed St. Gabriel’s proposed updates to the 3-story
convent building. The application would be on a future Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council agenda.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
• National Night Out discussion
• City Council tour of Beacon and ArtSpace properties on August 20 at 4 p.m.
• Doran property discussion
• City of Minnetonka property annexation discussion
City Council
• Council Member Hunke commented on a resident’s concern regarding side
marketers handing out literature at the Hopkins Farmer’s Market.
• Council Member Hunke commented that a resident complimented Solid Waste
Coordinator Hove.
• Council Member Halverson complimented the new landscaping on Blake Road.
• Council Member Halverson asked about the road construction storage on the old
Taco Bell site.
• Council Member Kuznia commented on the street reconstruction project.
• Council Member Brausen complimented the Police Department debriefing event.
• Mayor Gadd discussed the City Manager’s evaluation.
• Mayor Gadd discussed the National Night Out event.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, seconded by Brausen, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk