IV.3. Minutes of the January 14, 2020 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 14, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City
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Hall, 1010 1 Street South.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Beck, Brausen,
Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson,
Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Planning and Economic
Development Elverum and Community Development Coordinator Youngquist.
MINNETONKA ANNEXATION
Joining the City Council and staff for this discussion were City of Minnetonka staff
members Geralyn Barone, City Manager and Julie Wischnack, Community
Development Director. Mayor Gadd summarized the project information and proposed
annexation plan as provided in the Council packet.
Ms. Barone thanked the City Council for the opportunity to meet. Ms. Wischnack
provided additional background on the project. She provided information on the
proposed total payment to Hopkins for the proposed annexation/detachment. Ms.
Barone added that any payment would need to be brought to Minnetonka City Council
as well. She stated that Minnetonka would cover the costs associated with the
annexation legal costs.
Discussion ensued regarding the property boundaries, setbacks, grading, and design
issues. Ms. Wischnack did talk about the implications moving the building north with the
sewer line location. Council Member Brausen was concerned about Hopkins ending up
with a useable lot. He was also concerned about the payment project stopping at the
year 2026. Ms. Wischnack talked about the phase in and phase out of tax revenue
noting that five years is a typical outlook period. Mayor Gadd commented about
previous land swaps with other cities. He also wanted to protect options for
redevelopment in the area.
Council Member Beck commented on the proposed building roofline. Ms. Wischnack
talked about the rooflines and aesthetics of the project. Council Member Hunke wanted
to make sure that if the strip mall was redeveloped that we could have a mixed use
development getting access from the new road. Ms. Wischnack will check on that issue
for future redevelopment. All Council Members wanted to ensure reuse of the road was
included in the project and that the City was left with a desirable project. Council
Member Brausen also wanted to ensure the City was receiving the best options for the
development.
Ms. Wischnack summarized that Minnetonka will explore moving the building a little
more north, explain the 5/7 years on outlook, making sure ability on cross parking for
future redevelopment, and changing the curve to straight line at intersection. They will
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 14, 2020
be in touch soon by following up with Ms. Elverum and City Manager Mornson. Mr.
Mornson added that Minnetonka is looking for a decision soon.
COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CHDC) PLANS
Joining the City Council and staff for this discussion were Dan Walsh, Vice President of
CHDC and Rachel Peterson with Hess, Roise and Company. Director of Planning and
Economic Development Elverum provided a brief summary of the proposed plan and
development at Raspberry Ridge as provided in the Council packet.
Mr. Walsh provided an overview of the project for Raspberry Ridge Renovation and
Hopkins Village II New Construction. He requested to add the Activity Center to the
National Register of Historic Places conditioned upon staff review of the final application
to the state review board. He talked about the five year recapture period that would be
associated with the Hopkins Activity Center. Assistant Manager Lenz further clarified
the change of use as a community use and there were no implications should the
historical society leave their space. She added that no exterior changes are proposed
other than a new roof for the center.
Mr. Walsh talked about the benefits of the project including the options for grants and
legacy funds. He would like to proceed with the national register application and asked
for City approval. Discussion was held regarding the designation and the architectural
components, grant options, potential for adding security cameras, historic tax credits,
and financing for the project. Ms. Elverum talked about the affordable housing
component of the project. Ms. Lenz asked Mr. Walsh to talk about the renovation effect
on current residents. He provided an overview on the renovation activities for residents,
interior and exterior. Council Member Brausen and Mayor Gadd were concerned about
renovating units with tenants in place.
Mr. Walsh reviewed the critical path schedule including concept review, financing, and
land use approvals. He also shared the proposed conceptual plans noting designs
were very preliminary. City Council supported the current location of the community
room. Discussion was held about the proposed parking and the need for a parking
study. Council Member Brausen was concerned about parking that would affect the
area residents. He requested the project come to the City Council for concept review
before it goes to the Planning Commission. He shared concerns about the financing,
renovations and parking.
Ms. Elverum provided information about the conduit financing policy. She added that
the Police Department is aware of the project. This project fills in a gap on Mainstreet
and there are unique opportunities for intergenerational connections.
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Council Member Brausen also requested the City to look at the density down 6 and 7
Avenue, landscaping around the project and snow plow operation implications. He
would like another conversation about these items before it goes to Planning
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 14, 2020
Commission. Mayor Gadd questioned the next steps for the City regarding the National
Historic Designation. Ms. Elverum stated there will be an agreement brought back to
the City Council. Mr. Walsh anticipated the agreement would be ready in spring or
summer.
REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE POLICY 5-J MOBILE FOOD UNIT POLICY
City Clerk Domeier and Assistant City Manager Lenz provided the proposed changes of
the policy as outlined in the Council packet. Discussion was held about the proposed
changes. Mayor Gadd thanked staff for looking at the policy. It is anticipated this item
will be on the February 4, 2020 Consent Agenda.
OTHER
City Manager Mornson provided information on the proposed January 21 City Council
Meeting Agenda. After the meeting, Council will review and practice the State of the
City script. He also shared the upcoming calendar of events and potential meeting
conflicts.
Assistant City Manager Lenz provided an update on the Board and Commission
recruitment timeline and attendance policy. More information to be presented at an
upcoming meeting.
Mayor Gadd talked about the meeting process for January 21. Attendees would fill out
a form to provide comment. Not all questions may be answered on the spot this would
ensure we have a way to follow up with participants. The three minute time limit will be
imposed.
Council Member Brausen provided his thoughts on the Minnetonka annexation. He
wants to ensure it’s the best option moving forward. Ms. Elverum suggested doing a
land swap for the Subway property. She could obtain additional feedback from the
Police Department on the property and look at any tax implications.
Council Member Brausen provided information on a meeting with Jill Miller from
Projects in Person regrading liquor licensing. Ms. Lenz provided information on the
liquor license conversation around social businesses. Ms. Domeier clarified some of the
liquor license requirements that are included in state statute. Staff supports the use the
issue has been determining a few for the proposed use that is equitable for all license
holders.
Council Member Beck provided his thoughts on the Minnetonka annexation noting he
was fine with the gas station. He stated he supports accessory dwelling units. Council
Member Brausen concurred.
Council Member Hunke provided his thoughts on the Minnetonka annexation noting he
was supportive of the Subway site because of potential development. He has met with
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 14, 2020
residents regarding the Artspace project. Access Hopkins is meeting tomorrow night at
Pizza Luce at 6:30 p.m.
Council Member Halverson provided her thoughts on the Minnetonka annexation noting
the cash offer seemed low but could support the Subway project. She is open to
options.
Discussion was held regarding the Artspace project including meetings, outreach and
concept plans. Ms. Elverum was hoping to have concept plans in February. City
Manager Mornson expressed concerns about Open Meeting Law and the work staff has
done to date.
Mayor Gadd provided his thoughts on the Minnetonka annexation noting he was
undecided on the cash option payment or the Subway parcel but knew he didn’t want
the gas station.
Mayor Gadd mentioned he would not be able to attend the Hopkins Superintendent
meeting being held next week. If another member wants to attend his place, please
contact Mr. Mornson.
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 8:59 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Jason Gadd, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk