IV.2. Minutes of the August 20, 2019 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting ProceedingsMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 8:36 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, City Engineer Stanley and Community
Development Coordinator Youngquist.
Public Works
City Engineer Stanley gave an overview of Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) traffic
restrictions due to utility and freight rail relocations. City staff has been fielding a lot of
public comments and concerns. City staff would be following up with SWLRT staff. Mr.
Stanley gave an update on the 2019 street project, the Blake Road street project and
the Met Council lift station project. The City Council heard many positive comments
about the street project from Hiawatha neighborhood residents at National Night Out.
Mr. Stanley discussed a scheduled Excelsior Blvd. and Blake Road closure and detour
due to SWLRT construction. Staff would keep the Council updated. Mayor Gadd
commented on the importance of communication with the public.
Community Development:
Director of Planning and Development Elverum gave an update on the following:
Three businesses were awarded Façade grants. Ms. Elverum discussed the
application process and design concepts.
McCoy Petroleum property owner considering a request for proposal (RFP).
Former Hitching Post property was rented by the Hopkins School District for storage
and office space. Ms. Elverum discussed the long-term redevelopment opportunity
of the property.
Storage Mart is expanding into the former Napco space. Staff has had discussions
with the property owner regarding the building façade.
An event on the Artery is scheduled for October 12, 4-8 p.m.
The Commons, co-working space, is expanding their location on Mainstreet.
Blake school would be meeting with staff in October regarding property they own.
Discussion of 2020 Census promotion.
Discussion of the proposals to re-write the Zoning Code and public engagement
opportunities.
Council Member Brausen asked about the axe throwing business and liquor license
proposal. The City Attorney is reviewing the information. Staff would update the
business and building owner.
Administration:
Assistant City Manager Lenz updated the Council on Meadowbrook Golf Course
extension request. Staff commented that the CUP expires in November and that
staff has asked the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board for a concept or design
plan.
Staff would follow up with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative for clarity on
application dates and next steps in the process.
Staff would be meeting with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District regarding Cold
Storage property.
Assistant City Manager Lenz gave an update on the City Hall construction project
commenting that supplies and some staff would be moving back next week. A
tentative reopening for the public is September 9. The grand reopening is scheduled
for October 1, 5-6:30 p.m. followed by the City Council meeting in the renovated
Council Chambers.
Public Works Director Stadler commented that the Pavilion is in the process of
making ice.
City Council
Council Member Hunke commented that bike racks have been installed in the bike
th
shelter on 9Avenue S.
Council Member Kuznia commented that the Hopkins Area Little League (HALL)
would like to meet with the Park Board regarding needs at Maetzold Field. HALL
representatives should contact Public Works Director Stadler.
Council Member Kuznia complimented the Harley Hopkins renovations.
Council Member Brausen thanked staff for arranging tours of an Artspace and
Beacon property. There was discussion about the progress of the City’s design
standards. Council Member Hunke commented that it would be beneficial for
residents to see an existing Artspace property.
Mayor Gadd gave an update on ribbon cutting events. Mayor Gadd thanked Ms.
Youngquist for coordinating the new business ribbon cuttings.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, seconded by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk