08-10-2021 Work Session Meeting HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 10, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
1010 1st Street South.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Beck, Brausen, Halverson
and Hunke attending. Others attending included City Manager Mornson, Assistant City
Manager Lenz, City Clerk Domeier, Director of Planning and Development Elverum,
Community Development Coordinator Youngquist, Management Analyst Imihy, Fire Chief
Specken, City Engineer Stanley, Director of Public Work Stadler and Police Chief
Johnson Specken.
Business Assistance — Blake Road Station Development Project; Bishop
At the August 2 meeting the City Council expressed an interest in providing some type of
financial assistance to businesses affected by the Blake Road Station Development
Project. Finance Director Bishop provided the funding options to the City Council.
Council Member Beck questioned if surrounding cities offer any similar programs.
Finance Director Bishop stated no. Mayor Gadd questioned ideas for a grant program
related to tenant buildout grants. Director of Planning and Economic Development talked
about limitations proposed with a tenant buildout program. Council Member Brausen
suggested that the tenant buildout could be a one-time use and the program is only
eligible if you are forced to move for redevelopment and stay in Hopkins. He also stated
that some businesses had losses due to Covid and now have to move and ARPA funds
could assist with costs. Mr. Brausen also questioned the TIF funding options.
Ms. Elverum contacted the seven businesses located in phase 1. She provided
information on the conversation with three businesses and Trilogy. All the impacted
businesses had different needs and concerns. Trilogy estimated for adding 30 days to
the project/lease end could cost an additional $75,000 to $100,000 per month.
Council Member Beck questioned building permit fees. He suggested creating a program
to waive building permit fees if a business relocates in Hopkins. Council Member Hunke
cautioned that there is building official time included in the permit fees. Council Member
Brausen considered it an incentive to stay in Hopkins. Further discussion was held about
ideas for financial incentives for permit fees and/or tenant buildouts.
City Manager Mornson summarized that the City Council wanted staff to set up some
form of assistance for businesses to relocate in Hopkins. Staff will review options for the
terms of the program. He added that the program would require City Attorney review.
Council Member Brausen still had concerns about the lease terms ending in October.
Discussion was held about the liquor license for Mac's Liquor. City Clerk Domeier stated
the City Attorney suggested that staff receiving in writing from Mac's Liquor their intent to
relocate in Hopkins. The other option may be to add more off-sale licenses should it take
time for Mac's Liquor to find a new space.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 10, 2021
City Manager Mornson questioned options for businesses that already relocated. The
City Council wanted to have future discussion about relocated businesses. Council
Member Beck requested that moving costs be considered as well.
Ms. Elverum suggested approaching the buildout program as a pilot program. Debate
ensued regarding fees. Council Member Beck suggested doing the building permit fees
instead of buildout fees. A dollar amount could be tied to each business if using building
permit fee incentives. Staff will review the feasibility of the program and potential options.
Fee Schedule Updates; Imihy
Management Analyst Imihy summarized the information provided in the staff memo. She
presented information on a variety of fees currently charged and requested guidance on
the increase of fees. Ms. Imihy spoke directly to Planning and Zoning fees and Park
Dedication fees and the amount of staff time spent on projects.
Mayor Gadd talked about fees for developers in comparison of the cost to residents for
some fees. He wanted to ensure we used a race equity lens during the review. Council
Member Beck stated that fees should match staff time but had concerns about the park
dedication fees. Council Member Hunke concurred with the staff time being covered and
wanted to review the park dedication fees to ensure we have amenities for new residents.
City Clerk Domeier also provided updates on some of administrative fees. Staff was not
proposing large increases but looking to right size some fees that have been traditionally
low.
City Council supported moving forward with fee adjustments for further consideration.
Staff will bring back fee updates this fall.
2022-2026 Capital Improvement & Equipment Replacement Plans; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop summarized the information provided in the staff memo. He
presented information on the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement and Equipment
Replacement Plans and requested input and guidance.
City Engineer Stanley clarified the amounts in the permanent improvement funds and
previously included projects. He will provide a full update on the trunk water main project
in September. Public Works Director Stadler spoke to the Central Park playground
upgrades.
Fire Chief Specken provided information on fire department pumper truck purchases and
future purchases. He explained the need for vehicle replacement changes was because
of the new duty crew format. The City Council will consider moving the vehicle purchase
up to August 17.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AUGUST 10, 2021
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, second by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
J.:o Gadd, Mayor
Amy Domeier, City Clerk