IV.2. Minutes of the January 7, 2020 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting Proceedings
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 7:51 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Hopkins
City Hall, 1010 First Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Beck, Brausen,
Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Director
of Planning and Development Elverum, Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Attorney
Riggs, Public Works Director Stadler and Community Development Coordinator
Youngquist.
Administration
City Attorney Riggs gave an overview of meeting protocol, common issues and what
constitutes a meeting violation with the Council. There was discussion about text
messaging and social media issues. The City Attorney advised that the Council consult
with staff regarding a directed response. City Manager Mornson discussed the League
of Minnesota Cities social media policy.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler discussed the snow emergency tag and towing process.
46 vehicles were towed during the December 30 snow emergency. Mr. Stadler
discussed the plowing system and the difficulty of plowing in areas of high density with
many parked cars. Mr. Stadler explained the process of posting high-density streets and
cleaning curb to curb.
Mayor Gadd commented that it is important to understand the process and be effective.
General feedback from the Council was that Public Works staff should continue the
snowplow process; provide tagging and towing in the areas where they make the most
impact and leave high-density areas to be posted and plowed curb to curb later. City
Manager Mornson commented that the City receives more compliments than complaints
about snow plowing.
Community Development
City of Minnetonka property update
Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the City of Minnetonka’s
proposal of a $74,000 one-time payment for annexation of property on Shady Oak
Road. Ms. Elverum discussed the proposed Minnetonka development, property access,
potential long-term impact to the parcel and past annexation discussions with the City of
Minnetonka.
There was Council discussion regarding the payment proposal, resident perception of
the housing development and potential tax impact. Council Member Halverson asked
about a driveway easement to help potential redevelopment. Ms. Elverum commented
that an easement agreement would be between the property owners. Council Member
Hunke commented that the development would improve the area. Council Member
Beck discussed the public perception regarding the project. There was Council
discussion about neighborhood concerns and potential to shift the development.
City of Minnetonka staff would be invited to discuss the proposal further at the next
Work Session. Staff would convey that the City Council is not happy with the offer and
have additional questions.
Artspace Update
Ms. Elverum discussed the background of Artspace, a proposal to strengthen Hopkins
as an arts community, provide long-term affordability and bring in a broad base of
residents. Ms. Elverum discussed potential locations for the project and reasons why
Lot #800, non-revenue producing underutilized lot, is being considered as a site. Ms.
Elverum discussed the community engagement process, public feedback and differing
opinions. Mayor Gadd asked what were the public concerns. Ms. Elverum commented
that height, density and parking were the big issue. Council Member Beck commented
that some attendees at the first session wanted direct questions answered. Ms. Elverum
commented that the meeting was intended for development concepts and ideas. Ms.
Elverum commented that staff would be discussing the future of parking and would
continue to monitor parking as development opportunities happen. Ms. Elverum
discussed the City’s role in assisting development and generating the most tax base.
There was Council discussion about a site appraisal, what is the project worth to the
City of Hopkins and to have broader discussions about potential redevelopment
properties. Council Member Brausen discussed public perception. Ms. Elverum
discussed the community comments, commenting that staff is responding to concerns
and gave an overview of the schedule to stay on track. Council Member Brausen
discussed the importance of communication, open discussion and would like to review
the history of the project. A representative from Artspace discussed producing
information from Artspace properties around the country, keeping testimonials in the
forefront and sharing information how projects impact surrounding neighborhoods.
General feedback from the City Council was to have more discussion and that the data
and the site selection process be in the forefront to dispel misinformation. Council
appreciated all the community engagement, as it is important to listen to the
neighborhoods.
City Manager Mornson asked about the grant timeline. Ms. Youngquist commented that
to stay on schedule the item would need to be on the agenda the first meeting in March.
Staff will continue to discuss and keep the Council updated.
Community Development Updates
Planning and Zoning Commission discussed massage businesses and electronic
signage. The Commission was split on the decision regarding massage businesses and
supportive of revisiting regulations for electronic signage. Staff would continue to
research and provide recommendations.
City Council
Council Member Halverson commented that a resident’s snow plowing complaint
has been resolved.
Council Member Brausen asked about the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
meeting. City Manager Mornson commented that a future meeting would be
scheduled.
Council Member Beck asked about the outside walkway railing. Staff will
investigate.
Mayor Gadd commented on the newly appointed Metropolitan Council Chairperson.
Mayor Gadd discussed Tobacco 21. All license holders would be informed
regarding an ordinance change.
Mayor Gadd is participating in a KSTP interview regarding the World’s Largest
Raspberry.
Discussion of the League of Minnesota Cities elected officials conference.
Administration
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
Council will review the State of the City script on January 21. The State of City is scheduled
for January 30.
Presidential primary balloting begins on January 17.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, seconded by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:59 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk