IV.2. Minutes of the February 18, 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, February 18, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 7:54 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 and
Director of Planning and Development Elverum.
Community Development
Artspace feedback
Director of Planning and Development Elverum discussed the Artspace housing project.
Staff is looking for feedback and direction from the City Council. Ms. Elverum discussed
the Metropolitan Council’s recommendations and expectations regarding density
ranges. Ms. Elverum discussed the complications of using Katherine Curren as a
development site including the unstable grounds, relocation of park amenities and that
the Hopkins School District has a current lease on the property and is in the process of
evaluating the future school district use for the site. Artspace considers the Katherine
Curren property a less desirable location due to the site being further from the
downtown and trails. Mr. Elverum discussed options for other sites in Hopkins
commenting that the smaller options would require more financial support to make the
project feasible. Lot 800 was the most feasible option to get the Artspace project done
with the least amount of investment by the City. Ms. Elverum discussed the smaller
design options for the site plan that would include more surface parking and a 3-story
plan that would push the development closer to neighboring homes along with a loss of
tax credits. A scaled back project would mean more financial expectations from the City.
Ms. Elverum discussed the following four options with the Council:
1. Keep Lot 800 on the March 4 City Council agenda. The project would require a
4/5 City Council majority vote.
2. Amended the project to 3-stories which could require a larger financial
contribution from City
3. Pursue a different site other than what is currently available.
4. Terminate the project.
Council Member Hunke asked about the 4/5 vote and the Planning & Zoning
Commission agenda. Ms. Elverum commented on the consistent approach to change a
zoning category and that the Planning & Zoning meeting is for f eedback about the
concept and for Artspace to receive direction from the City and support to take next
steps in the process. Council Member Beck commented that based upon public
feedback he supports Artspace but not the proposed location. Mayor Gadd asked about
the smaller project comparable. Ms. Elverum commented on the difficulty in finding a
comparable as each project is very different. Council Member Brausen commented that
he supports Artspace but not the proposed location. Council Member Brausen
commented that the energy Artspace brings would be better served in a bigger and
different location on the west end of Mainstreet or by the light rail stations. Council
Member Halverson commented on different uses for Lot 800 and that Artspace could
revitalize another area in Hopkins. Council Member Hunke commented that Artspace
would be a great partner on the project and that Lot 800 is a good space but the design
is too tall. Council Member Hunke commented on a design that would better fit the
neighborhood and realizes the tradeoffs with a smaller design. Mayor Gadd commented
that he has looked at both sides of the public comments and that a project like Artspace
is needed in Hopkins. The proposed site is an underutilized spot and could be used to
create something that Hopkins currently does not have without extensive financial
support.
Staff will continue to discuss the project, remove Artspace from the Planning & Zoning
Commission agenda and draft a resolution for the March 4 City Council agenda.
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) update
Council Member Brausen and Mayor Gadd gave an update on the meeting with the
MCWD. The next meeting is scheduled for February 27 to discuss the continued
collaboration, roles and responsibilities regarding the redevelopment site on Blake
Road. Ms. Elverum discussed the collaboration efforts, development process and
timeline.
Director of Planning and Development Elverum gave the following updates:
Staff is exploring reallocating grant funding for a parking structure at the Shady Oak
Station location.
The Beacon project is seeking outside funding sources and requesting the expansion
of the redevelopment area in Hopkins.
Staff has been reviewing the current parking system and looking at future practices.
Staff would continue to monitor changes to the parking system.
Administration
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
Discussion of committee appointments:
o Minnehaha Watershed District committee: Council Member Brausen and Council
Member Hunke
o Southwest LRT Community Works Steering Committee alternate: Council
Member Beck
Overview of the April City Council schedule:
o The Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative on April 14, 6:30 p.m. at Eisenhower
Community Center.
o Work Session on Monday, April 6
o City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 7
o Hopkins Academy begins Thursday, April 9
Discussion of Hopkins Academy agenda.
Development update at Blake Road and Excelsior Blvd. would be scheduled at an
upcoming Work Session.
Discussion of the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the vitality it brings to Mainstreet.
City Council
Council Member Hunke commented that the Access Hopkins meeting is Thursday,
February 20 at Pizza Luce.
Council Member Halverson discussed a crosswalk and roadway issue at 12th Ave
and Mainstreet.
Mayor Gadd attended the Governor’s Council for automated vehicles
Mayor Gadd discussed the upcoming ribbon cutting at Two Men and a Truck
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 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
______________________________ _________________________________
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk