03-04-2020 City Council MeetingHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council
was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 7:17 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall, 1010 First Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance with
Council Members Beck, Brausen, Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present
included City Manager Mornson, Finance Director Bishop, City Clerk Domeier, Director
of Planning and Development Elverum, City Planner Lindahl, City Attorney Riggs, Fire
Chief Specken, Public Works Director Stadler and Community Development
Coordinator Youngquist.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Brausen. Second by Hunke.
Motion to Adopt Agenda.
Ayes; Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIOIdS
111.1.Hopkins Fire Department Annual Report
Fire Chief Specken gave an overview of the 2019 year-end report. Chief Specken
discussed call statistics, fire incidents, mutual aid and public education activities. The
Hopkins Fire Department's average response time is 4.1 minutes. Chief Specken
reviewed the Chemical Assessment Team (CAT) and the 2020 goals. Fire Chief
Specken discussed the outstanding Insurance Service Office {ISO) Class 2 Rating that
benefits homeowner and business insurance rates. Fire Chief Specken thanked the City
Council, city staff and Hopkins citizens for their support. The Council commented on the
great 4.1 minute response time, the improvement to the ISO protection class rating and
thanked Chief Specken and the department for their accomplishments and sacrifices.
Mayor Gadd recognized Chief Specken for receiving the 2019 Fire Officer of Year
award.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Beck. Second by Hunke.
Mvtion to Approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Minutes of the February 18, 2020 City Council Regular Meeting Proceedings
2. Minutes of the February 18, 2020 City Council Work Session following
Regular Meeting Proceedings
3. Ratify Checks Issued in February 2020
Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
PUBLIC HEARING
V.1. 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Community Development Coordinator Youngquist gave an overview of the CDBG funds
and goals of the program. Ms. Youngquist commented that Hopkins is eligible to receive
a preliminary estimate of $124,000 to fund the Housing Rehabilitation Program and that
area social service agencies can make application to Hennepin County for an overall
fifteen percent allocation of the CDBG funds. Council Member Brausen asked about
homeowners on the program wait list. Ms. Youngquist commented that the program
serves approximately 4-5 households each year and that currently there are 8
households on the wait list. Hennepin County processes the applications for the
program. Council Member Beck asked for examples of projects. Ms. Youngquist
commented that the funds are used for repairs or energy efficiency upgrades with some
funds available for emergency situations. Council Member Hunke asked how
homeowners find out more information about the program. Ms. Youngquist commented
that program details are available on the city website and would be promoted through
city publications.
Mayor Gadd opened the public hearing at 7:44 pm. No residents came forward to
address the Council.
Motion by Brausen. Second by Beck.
Motion to close the Public Hearing at 7:44 p.m.
Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motion by Brausen. Second by Hunke.
Motion that the Council adopt Resolution 2020-011. Resolution approving
proposed use of 2020 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block
Grant Program Funds and Authorizing execution of subrecipient agreement with
Hennepin County.
Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
VI1.1. Resolution Approving an Off-Sale Liquor License for Alison Leigh
Dykhuizen Hanson dba The Vine Shop, LLC
City Clerk Domeier gave an overview of the staff report. It is anticipated that the license
would be issued in May once all the conditions have been met. The applicant came
forward and discussed the plans for the business expansion.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
Motion by Beck. Second by Hunke.
Motion to grant an Off-sale Liquor License to Alison Leigh Dykhuizen Hanson
dba The Vine Shop, LLC by adopting Resolution 2020-010.
Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: none. Motion carried.
VI1.2. Downtown Overlay District Standards Appeal
City Planner Lindahl discussed the staff report explaining that the applicant of the
building at 1209 Mainstreet would like the City Council to review staff's interpretation of
the Downtown Overlay District's material. The applicant states that the proposed
product for the 1209 Mainstreet building looks like brick or stone and should be allowed.
The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the applicant's appeal and agreed with
staff's interpretation. Mr. Lindahl gave an overview of the appeal process and
Downtown Overlay District standards and prohibited materials. In staff's opinion the
proposed siding material is listed as prohibited in the Downtown Overlay District
standards and is not an approved material. Mr. Lindahl showed images of the original,
existing and proposed fa�ade with an added canopy. Mr. Lindahl explained the options
for the City Council to consider explaining that city staff has started to update the zoning
regulations which would include updating of material standards. The current standards
are from May 2003 and the proposed material was not available at that time.
Applicant Tom Dewitz, contractor for the owner of the 1209 Mainstreet property, came
forward and gave an overview and showed samples of the proposed product.
Council Member Brausen commented on his discussions with the property owner and
noted that the Downtown Overlay District materials protect the historic look and
architectural value of the downtown. Council Member Brausen commented that the
proposed product could be applicable to smaller spaces such as the 1209 Mainstreet
building. Council Member Hunke commented that the product mimics the look and feel
of a brick fa�ade on a small square footage building. Council Member Beck asked about
the remaining existing brick and added awning. There was discussion regarding adding
an exception for a specific location.
Motion by Brausen. Second by Hunke.
Motion to disagree with the interpretation and administration of both staff and the
Planning & Zoning Commission that Nichiha Vintage Brick fiber cement panels
are allowed as an exterior material on the facade sides of buildings and adjacent
to public right-of-ways in the Downtown Overlay District but only in this specific
location of 1209 Mainstreet.
Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson, Hunke.
Nays: none. Motion carried.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
VI1.3. Artspace Development — Lot 800
Mayor Gadd gave an overview of the process that the City Council and city staff took to
analyze the Artspace project and the possible development of Lot 800. Mayor Gadd
gave an overview of the engagement opportunities and public comments. The City
Council has reviewed all comments received. Director of Planning and Development
Elverum discussed the use of Lot 800, the development of the concept and gave an
overview of the process. Ms. Elverum thanked the city staff and project partners
throughout the development process. Greg Handberg, Artspace representative,
commented that Lot 800 is a good site and feasible for Artspace and hopes that the
project can happen in Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd discussed the guidelines for the public comment period.
Billiee Kraut, 140-11th Avenue North, spoke in support of an Artspace location on the
west end of Hopkins.
Bill Beekman, 105-8th Avenue North, spoke in support of Artspace at Lot 800.
Evie Wright, 240-9t" Avenue North, spoke in support of Artspace to inspire young
people.
Elizabeth Reynolds, 210-10th Avenue North, spoke in support of locating Artspace in
another location in Hopkins.
Richard VanSickle, 145-11'" Avenue North, spoke in support of the artist community but
has concerns about site size, parking and need to explore other locations as well as the
addition of senior housing.
Rebecca Ulasich, 4128 Pepperwood Trail, spoke in support of Artspace at Lot 800
encouraging the City Council to vote yes.
Harlan Limpert, 925 Nine Mile Cove S, supports Artspace but has concerns about the
need for more analysis for other uses for Lot 800 that would bring in more income for
the City.
Colman Collins, 111-11th Avenue North, supports the arts but Lot 800 is not the correct
location and encouraged the City Council to not move forward with Lot 800 for Artspace.
Steve Belden, 140-10t" Avenue North, spoke about the concerns of traffic, size of the
building and preserving the character of the neighborhood.
Andrew Wright, 240-9th Avenue North, spoke in support of Artspace at Lot 800 as it
carries out the values of the Comprehensive Plan and long term values of the
community.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
Paul Hurth, 114-11th Avenue North, spoke in support of affordable housing but opposes
Artspace as housing for a specific occupation or hobby and the need to find the right
location.
Rachel Dachenbach, 117-8t" Avenue North, spoke in favor of Artspace to draw more
families to Hopkins and encouraged the City Council to move in favor of the project.
Sara Waterman, 218 Van Buren Avenue North, spoke in favor of the Artspace project,
affordable housing and generating taxes on the underutilized Lot 800.
Andrew Ulasich, 4128 Pepperwood Trail, spoke in favor of Artspace and discussed
reasons why the project is needed urging the City Council to approve the project.
Bruce Rowan, 9 Monroe Avenue South, spoke in support of Artspace and the benefit to
the community as a whole.
Abby Seba, 134-9th Ave�ue North, spoke against Lot 800 as a location for Artspace
discussing the negative effects to the area and the need to look for a different location.
Patrick Hanlon, 109-11th Avenue North, asked about the emails and soil samples in the
public record and spoke in support of artists and affordable housing but commented that
the site is not the right size for the project and.need to look for other options for Lot 800.
Larry Hiscock, 302-7th Street South, spoke in favor of Lot 800 and the need to preserve
and protect affordable housing.
Michelle Birgy, 134-5th Avenue North, spoke about the Hopkins arts community and
supports Lot 800 for Artspace.
CJ Renner, 114-16th Avenue North, spoke in favor of Artspace on Lot 800.
Mindy Woods, 110-11th Avenue North, spoke about concerns of density, building
height, parking and lot size commenting that Lot 800 is the wrong location for Artspace.
Andy Barker, 117-10th Avenue North, spoke about concerns of the building scale on Lot
800 and overall effects on the neighborhood.
Greg Birgy, 134-15th Avenue North, spoke in favor of Artspace and the benefits that
artists provide to the community and encouraged the City Council to approve Lot 800 as
the site for Artspace.
Rebecca Wright, 240-9th Avenue North, spoke about the benefits of affordable stable
housing and supports Lot 800 for Artspace and the benefits of artists in the community.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
Annie Westmoreland, 117-8t" Avenue North, understands the concerns of parking but
spoke in support Lot 800 for Artspace and the need for affordable housing.
Mark Strom, 125-10th Avenue North, spoke against the Artspace location due to building
height and size of the project.
Mayor Gadd closed public comment at 9:50 p.m. thanking the public for their input
throughout the process and commenting that the City Council strives to make decisions
that are fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the entire community. Council
Member Beck commented that as a steward of the tax payer's money and property
additional proposals are needed if the property is redeveloped. Council Member
Brausen commented that he is excited for Artspace to come to Hopkins but Lot 800 is
not the right location commenting on the need to discuss other sites for Artspace.
Council Member Halverson commented that she would like Artspace in Hopkins but not
at Lot 800 and the importance to find the correct location. Council Member Hunke
thanked the city staff and Artspace for working on a common goal of affordability and
finding the correct location commenting that he is in favor of Artspace on Lot $00. Mayor
Gadd commented on the difficult decision and that the Council is committed to
affordable housing and having Artspace in Hopkins.
Motion by Beck. Second by Brausen.
Motion to withdraw from consideration the concept for an Artspace development
on municipal parking lot #800.
Ayes: Beck, Brausen, Gadd, Halverson.
Nays: Hunke. Motion carried.
VI1.4. Development Overview Presentation
Mayor Gadd commented that the Development Overview presentation has been
postponed to the April 7 City Council meeting.
OPEN AGENDA — PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
The City Council did not receive any comments or concerns.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m.
World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade on Tuesday, March 17, 4:30 p.m.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 4, 2020
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Halverson, second by Brausen, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
RespectFully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Jason Gadd, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk