08-13-2019 Work Session Meeting HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 13, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 6:33 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, Assistant City Manager Lenz and Public Works Director Stadler.
PRELIMINARY GENERAL FUND BUDGET
Finance Director Bishop discussed the staff report regarding the 2020 proposed
General Fund budget. Mr. Bishop commented that the budget was prepared using the
Financial Management Plan (FMP) model. Mr. Bishop gave an overview of the
proposed 2020 budget including additional requests, the proposed 7.7% increase from
2019 and the affects on a median value home. Council Member Halverson asked what
is included in the 7.7% increase. Mr. Bishop commented that the Police Department
additional requests would be in addition to the proposed 7.7% increase.
Mr. Bishop discussed the proposed additions to the 2020 Equipment Replacement Plan
(ERP) budget. Mr. Bishop commented that the proposed budget relies on Local
Government Aid (LGA) and gave examples of the budget with and without LGA and
what it would mean for the tax levy per home.
Mr. Bishop commented that in January, staff received requests for 12 new employees
and that number was pared down to 5.5 employees. Mr. Bishop distributed information
that detailed what the impacts would be if two additional Police Department staff were
included in the 2020 budget. There was discussion about the future staffing requests by
the Police and Fire Departments. Council Member Brausen asked for clarification of the
proposed increase in staff for 2020. Mr. Bishop discussed the proposed staff for an
approximate total of$70,000. Assistant City Manager Lenz discussed the original
staffing requests and explained that administration reviewed the requests and were able
to edit and combine positions. Mr. Bishop commented that Public Safety had the
majority of staffing requests. Council Member Brausen asked about the reduction in
paid volunteer Fire Department positions if full-time positions would be added. Mr.
Bishop would need to research the financial impact.
There was Council discussion on presenting the budget increase to the public, the
importance to reduce the Arts Center debt, impacts on increasing market values,
additional staffing to address long-term needs and changes in the community and that
delaying improvements to the infrastructure often increases costs. Mr. Bishop
commented that the bond-rating agency looks at the City's debt and the plan to
eliminate the debt.
Council discussed the option to spread out the funding of the Police Department staffing
requests in different years in order to keep the percentage increase below 13%. Mr.
Bishop would evaluate the 2020 staffing requests, hiring timetable and how it would
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 13, 2019
impact the tax levy. General feedback from the City Council was in support of keeping
the 2020 increase below 13°/a. The budget presentation would be on the September 3
City Council agenda.
Council requested that Fire Department present a long-term plan at a future City
Council Work Session.
Ms. Lenz discussed the reason for the request for Laserfiche professional software and
Mr. Stadler discussed the efficiencies of implementing the Engineering Cartegraph OMS
softwa re.
City Manager Mornson gave the following update:
• Tour of the Beacon and ArtSpace properties is on Tuesday, August 20, 4 p.m.
• Members of the Hopkins Police Department would be participating in the Officer
Shawn Silvera Rotary Run on Saturday, August 17.
• Assistant City Manager Lenz gave an update on the FCC cable commission.
UPDATES
• Council Member Brausen commented on the impressive funeral service for Officer
Hegyi.
• Council Member Brausen thanked staff for presenting information on the Cold
Storage redevelopment site. City Manager Mornson commented that staff would
keep the Council updated after a meeting with those involved in the project.
• Mayor Gadd commented on the show of support by city staff and the community
over the loss of Officer Hegyi.
• Discussion about the Beacon housing project.
• The Vine Room ribbon cutting is at 12 noon on Friday, August 16.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, second by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
RespectFully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST: �
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son Gadd, Mayor Amy Dome�ier City Clerk