IV.2. Minutes of the January 21, 2020 City Council Work Session following Regular Meeting ProceedingsMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 8:34 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, Finance
Director Bishop, Director of Planning and Development Elverum and Assistant City
Manager Lenz.
State of the City
Staff and Council reviewed the 2020 State of the City presentation.
Community Development
City of Minnetonka Annexation Discussion
Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the City of Minnetonka’s
response to the potential annexation agreement. There was much discussion regarding
potential land swap sites vs. a cash payment option. Staff commented that Council
could consider countering the cash payment offer. Council and staff discussed the
potential redevelopment opportunities of the land swap sites and staff would investigate
billing for utility services and a transition property tax agreement. General feedback from
the Council was that the Minnetonka development would add vibrancy to the area and
that a land swap is preferred over cash payment for the annexation.
Artspace Update
There was discussion regarding resident questions, concerns and perceptions
regarding the Artspace project. Ms. Elverum commented that staff is working on a
response to the questions raised. Ms. Elverum discussed the potential site, density,
different concepts and the potential impacts to the Artspace project. There was Council
discussion regarding public perception, impacts to the neighborhood and the
importance to address the issues. Council Member Beck asked about community
space. Ms. Elverum commented that there would be studio space but not public space
in the preliminary proposed project. Mayor Gadd commented that there is no formal
plan in place and that public feedback is still being accepted. Ms. Elverum discussed
the Community Development department’s mission to take a holistic look at the Hopkins
community and develop and implement projects that meet the goals of the community.
Artspace discussion is scheduled on the February 11 City Council Work Session
agenda.
Administration
Assistant City Manager Lenz discussed the Hopkins Academy recruitment and
prioritization procedure of applications. Fourteen applications have been received to
date with a maximum of forty.
Ms. Lenz discussed the Planning and Zoning Commission vacancy. Council consensus
was that the position would remain vacant until the upcoming annual recruitment and
appointment to the commission.
Ms. Lenz discussed the request from Projects in Person for a special liquor license fee
for ticketed events. There was discussion regarding different levels of license fees and
that Hopkins license fees are low in comparison to neighboring communities. Staff felt a
fee could take their limitation to ticket holders into consideration. Council agreed to
propose a 40% license fee for the entertainment license due to its limited audience.
Council asked about the Vine Room off-sale request. Staff will update the Council.
City Manager Mornson gave an update on Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
meeting.
City Council
Council Member Beck would like to attend a Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, seconded by Beck, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:13 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk