03-09-2021 Work Session MeetingHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 9, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010
1 St Street South.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Beck, Brausen, Halverson
and Hunke attending. Others attending included Community Development Coordinator
Youngquist, City Manager Mornson, Assistant City Manager Lenz, Director of Public
Works Stadler, Director of Planning and Development Elverum and City Clerk Domeier.
Mayor Gadd provided information on the meeting format and other opening remarks.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION; ELVERUM
Jim Alexander with the SW LRT project provided a construction update. Mayor Gadd
questioned the proposed road closures during construction. Mr. Alexander reaffirmed the
proposed road closures and projected openings with construction. Mr. Alexander also
provided clarification on the current station area design for the Shady Oak Station. Mayor
Gadd stated that the parking and layout at Shady Oak Station is a key concern of the City
Council. Council Member Brausen reiterated the parking concerns. Nkongo Cigolo with
the SW LRT project provided a communications update. Mayor Gadd encouraged
residents to visit the project website for more information.
Director of Planning and Development Elverum provided additional information on topics
discussed at the January 12, 2021 City Council meeting. Topics Ms. Elverum addressed
included:
• Downtown commercial vacancies
• Underutilized City-owned property
• Alternative uses of the closed landfill
• Senior housing and accessory dwelling units
Council Member Hunke questioned the vacancies. Ms. Elverum stated the different
factors that play into vacancy and the City's role in business attraction. Discussion ensued
with ideas to spruce up the commercial districts and business alleyways, traffic counts,
rents and new businesses. Council Member Beck suggested setting a vision for
Mainstreet and shared possible ideas for the vision. Further discussion was had about
entertainment business liquor licenses and restaurant outdoor seating expansions.
Assistant Manager Lenz commented that some of the vision already exists and we should
be promoting the vision.
Discussion was held about the City-owned property. Council Member Brausen shared
his concerns about developing the individual lots which may take away from a larger
development in the future. Mr. Brausen placed the 501 and 525 Mainstreet lots at the top
of his list and asked staff to check in with the adjoining property owners. The City Council
weighed out the options for the development while keeping control of the property.
Council Member Hunke supported developing Lot 800. Council Member Beck questioned
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESStON PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 9, 2021
if Lot 800 may be utilized more with the new brewery opening. Council Member Brausen
proposed waiting to do anything with Lot 800 until projected redevelopment comes to
fruition.
Council Member Brausen shared concerns about the landfill redevelopment options on
the 29 acre site with its proximity to the SW LRT. Council Member Beck supported the
solar options available to the site.
Council Member Brausen was in favor with whatever the City could do to allow the
housing stock to include accessory dwelling units while maintaining the existing
neighborhoods. He added that senior housing is a good fit for the MainstreeUDowntown
area. Debate was held about suggested locations for senior housing, types of senior
housing and funding. Mayor Gadd also supported ADUs so long as the neighborhood
integrity is not compromised. Council Member Hunke concurred. Options and
requirements for the ADUs will be covered in the new zoning code.
OTHER
Mayor Gadd provided the upcoming meeting schedule.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further information to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, second by Beck, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Respectfulty Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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son Gadd, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk