IV.2. Minutes of the October 1, 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, October 1, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 7:36 p.m. at the Hopkins City Hall, 1010 1st Street
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 City Engineer Stanley.
Planning and Economic Development:
Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the following updates:
The proposed Beacon property development is on the Planning and Zoning
Commission agenda. Ms. Elverum discussed the proposed Planned Unit Development
(PUD), modifications to the exterior and proof of parking. Staff is waiting on the parking
and traffic study results. There was discussion of support staff requirements for the
property. There was much Council discussion about service needs, location near other
support services, funding sources, financial support, community concerns and the
importance of on-site support staff. There was discussion about the best use for the
property located in the central business district. Council discussed the need for more
discussion with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Ms. Elverum discussed the
property zoning, development process and PUD requirements. Staff would continue to
discuss the proposal with the City Attorney.
The Bank of America site plan is on the Planning and Zoning Commission agenda. The
site is located on the Blake Road Dairy Queen property. Ms. Elverum discussed the site
design, zoning and text amendment. Ms. Elverum discussed Council options and the
development process that include neighborhood meetings.
Two Men and a Truck submitted an application to occupy space in the Excelsior Tech
Center. Outdoor storage would be required and the applicant has requested a 3-foot set
back but the current requirement is a 20-foot set back. Staff would keep the Council
updated.
Artspace has a request for proposal (RFP) for an architect. Ms. Elverum discussed the
vision for the site and community engagement process. City staff would be meeting with
the Artspace staff.
City staff met with Blake School staff to discuss the homes on Harrison Avenue owned
by Blake School. Staff commented that the City Council is not interested in non -tax
based property.
Ms. Elverum gave an overview of business activity and interest from developers in
Hopkins. Staff would keep the Council updated.
Ms. Elverum updated the Council on the Zoning Code rewrite. Staff would keep the
Council updated throughout the process.
Mr. Mornson and Ms. Elverum updated the Council on the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District redevelopment property, grant timing, and next steps to continue discussion and
move the project forward.
Discussion regarding the Meadowbrook Golf Course clubhouse temporary trailer. Ms.
Lenz discussed the progress to date and would set up a meeting with the Minneapolis
Park Board for a follow up conversation.
Public Works
City Engineer Stanley updated the Council on the Interlachen neighborhood concerns
regarding the street reconstruction project. Staff met with neighborhood representatives
and discussed the curb and gutter options that the neighborhood would consider. The
neighborhood representatives object to the aesthetics of curb and gutter. Staff would
evaluate the options based upon lifecycle, maintenance, aesthetics and sound
engineering principals. Staff would schedule another neighborhood meeting, draft an
analysis and recommendation and update the City Council. The resolution is scheduled
to be on the October 15 City Council agenda. There was discussion regarding costs,
maintenance and the long-term investment in the streets. Mr. Stanley commented that
each option would have an estimated cost and life analysis. Council would con tinue the
discussion at the next Council Work Session.
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the tri-annual water testing and 2019 samples
that exceeded the copper action level. Mr. Stadler discussed the actions that would
need to be taken per the MN Department of Health. Mr. Stadler reviewed the public
notice that would be sent to all system users. Mr. Stadler indicated that the homes were
located throughout the city and that the City is not sending out water with high levels of
copper. Staff would keep the City Council updated.
Finance
Finance Director Bishop gave an update on the budget discussion. Mr. Bishop
presented an overview of the budget message that included the 2014-2018 grants
received, projects funded and cost efficiencies and savings. There was Council
discussion how to present the budget information and long-term benefits to the public.
Staff presented the proposed tax levy reductions for the City Council to review and
discuss. Council Member Halverson asked about the DWI grant. Mr. Bishop commented
that there is a possibility that the Police Department could still receive grant funding for
2020. Mr. Bishop would update the Council on the tax levy history over last 10 years.
There was discussion of ways to reduce the debt and that decisions made now impact
the future. Council would continue to discuss the budget at the next Council Work
Session.
City Council
Council Member Kuznia discussed the SWLRT Community Works meeting.
Council Member Hunke attended the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District meeting.
Mayor Gadd discussed the Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative meeting.
Mayor Gadd commented that the Hopkins School District Superintendent hosted a
meeting for area mayors.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, seconded by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:16 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk