IV.1. Minutes of the November 26, 2019 City Council Special Meeting ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a special meeting of the Hopkins City Council
was held on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 5:31 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
Hopkins City Hall, 1010-1st Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance with
Council Members Brausen, Kuznia, Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present
included City Manager Mornson, Finance Director Bishop, City Clerk Domeier and
Assistant City Manager Lenz.
NEW BUSINESS
II.1. Oath of Office – Council Member Special Election
City Clerk Domeier issued the Oath of Office to Rick Brausen. Mayor Gadd explained
the reason for the special election.
II.2. Resolution Declaring a Vacancy on the City Council
City Clerk Domeier discussed the staff report regarding the City Council vacancy.
Motion by Brausen. Second by Halverson.
Motion to Approve Resolution 2019-092 Declaring a Vacancy on the Hopkins
City Council.
Ayes: Brausen, Kuznia, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
II.3. Resolution Appointing City Council Member
Mayor Gadd commented on the recommendation to appoint Brian Hunke.
Motion by Kuznia. Second by Halverson.
Motion to Adopt Resolution 2019-094 Resolution Appointing City Council
Member.
Ayes: Brausen, Kuznia, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
II.4. Oath of Office – Council Member Appointment
City Clerk Domeier issued the Oath of Office to Brian Hunke. Mayor Gadd discussed
the reason for the vacancy.
II.5. Continued 2020 General Fund Budget & Tax Levy
Finance Director Bishop gave an overview of the 2020 General Fund Budget and Tax
Levy and the recommendations by staff and City Council to re duce the levy. Mr. Bishop
discussed the taxation process and gave an overview of the City’s budget and how it
impacts taxes. Mr. Bishop discussed the General Fund expenditures, the preliminary
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
levy and the reductions made by staff and Council to get to the 9.71% increase to the
proposed levy, which calculates out to an $88 increase to the median valued home or
5.1%. The next steps in the budget process include a public meeting on December 3
followed by Council approval at the December 3 or 17 City Council meeting. Council
Member Brausen and Mayor Gadd commented on the importance to communicate the
budget to the public in a clear manner so everyone understands the process. Council
Member Brausen commented that the Council needs to explore different ways to
communicate the budget publically throughout the year. Council Member Hunke asked
about the debt levy and the City’s portion of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT).
Mr. Bishop explained the contract with the SWLRT project office. Council Member
Brausen commented that the staff and Council would continue to look for ways to make
improvements to the budget.
UPDATES
City Clerk Domeier updated the Council on codifying the City Code to edit the language
and format the code to be compliant with State Statutes. The code would be formatted
with changes to the chapter system and be availab le in different languages. The City
Attorney has reviewed the code changes. Copies of the current and proposed changes
are available for review, the first reading is scheduled on the January 7, 2020 City
Council agenda and City Council should direct any qu estions to City Clerk Domeier.
City Manager Mornson updated the City Council on December 17 City Council agenda
items.
The Special W ork Session meeting regarding the proposed Beacon Interfaith Housing
apartment building (Vista 44) is in the Raspberry Room at 6:30 p.m.
OPEN AGENDA – PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
A resident came forward to address the Council regarding The Moline parking ramp and
the potential impacts to the budget. City Manager Mornson commented that the City
Attorney is negotiating the settlement and legal fees are covered by the Minnesota
League of Cities trust fund.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, second by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk