Agenda
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
FINAL AGENDA
. September 21,2004
7:30 pm
THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
UNTIL THE START OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Schedule: 7:30 pm - City Council Meeting
Work Session at conclusion of City Council meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
n. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS
(Public must fill out a Speaker Request Form. Three minute limit for each person)
!!1. REPORTS
1. Chemical Health Commission
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting
2. Appoint citizen representatives to Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Public
AdvIsory Committee; (CR2004-158) - Stadler
3. Approve Winter Use Permit for regional trail segments; (CR2004-140) - Vogtman
. 4. Approve Engr Services agreement, Lot 800 reconstruction; (CR2004-157) - Stadler
5. Second reading of Ord 2004-931 amending Section 703 of the City Code (Deferred
Assessments); (Memo) - Genellie
6. Approve wine and strong beer license for Camille's Sidewalk Cafe; (CR2004-153)-
Obermaier
7. Second reading of Ord 2004-932, allowing sculptures in the B-2 zoning district;
(Memo) - Anderson
Vote: Brausen Thompson Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell -
V. OLD BUSINESS
1. Site Plan Review, Parker Office Building; (CR2004-142) - Anderson
Vote: Brausen _ Thompson_ Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell -
2. CUP Parker Office Building, (CR2004-143) - Anderson
Vote: Brausen Thompson _ Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell -
3. Approve construction cooperative agreement, Hopkins Crossroad/Minnetonka
Blvd intersection project; (CR2004-159) - Stadler
Vote: Brausen _ Thompson_ Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell -
.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL THE RAZZLE LINE - 939-1421
(The Razzle Line is the City of Hopkins voice message system)
VI. NEW BUSINESS
. 1. Approve Blake School settlement; (CR2004-160) - Stadler
Vote: Brausen Thompson Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell
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2. Approve City Manager position profile; (CR2004-156) - Brimeyer
Vote: Brausen _ Thompson _ Rowan _ Johnson - Maxwell -
3. Moratorium on used auto sales; (CR2004-154) - Anderson
Vote: Brausen _ Thompson_ Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell -
4. Moratorium on sculptures in B-2 zoning district; (CR2004-155) - Anderson
Vote: Brausen Thompson Rowan - Johnson - Maxwell
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5. Approve 2004/2005 police officers contract; (CR2004-152) - Genellie
Vote: Brausen Thompson _ Rowan Johnson - Maxwell -
VII. ADJOURNMENT
.
.
. A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on September 7, 2004, in the
Council Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Brausen, Thompson, Johnson,
and Rowan. Also, present were staff members Genellie, Kerrigan, Harkess, N.
Anderson, Ray Vogtman, and City Attorney Jerry Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none.
III. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
1. Zoning and Planning Commission
Virgil Arness reported that the Zoning and Planning Commission met on August 31,
2004. The Commission discussed a CUP for a sign at the United Methodist Church
. that will replace the existing sign. The Commission recommended approval. The
Parker Office building was discussed. Several residents of the neighborhood attended
the Zoning and Planning Commission meeting. Concerns were expressed about the
screening and parking lot lights. The Commission recommended approval of the plan
and CUP with conditions. The Commission discussed the zoning ordinance
amendment that would allow a sculpture to be placed at 15 ~ 8th Ave N. They
recommended approval, but not at the site that was proposed. They discussed the
site plan for Meadow Creek garages, the site plan for Starbucks Coffee, and the
Starbucks Coffee drive-thru. The manager of Caribou Coffee attended and brought up
concerns about parking and traffic. The Commission recommended approval of all
three items.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of August 17, 2004 City Council Meeting
2. Minutes of August 24, 2004 City Council Work Session
3. Minutes of August 31, 2004 City Council Work Session
4. Ratify Prior Month's Disbursements
5. Miscellaneous License Applications
6. Approve Appointment to Park Board, Elizabeth Dorn (Memo)
7. Resolution 2004-72, Ordering public Hearing for 2004 Miscellaneous
. Assessments (CR2004-149)
8. Dutch Elm Disease Stump Removal and Reforestation Funding (CR2004-
139)
September 7. 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
9. Resolution Endorsing Creation of Alternative Energy Lab at the Depot Coffee .
House (CR2004-136)
10. Second Reading for Ordinance 2004-927 (Memo)
11 . Change Benefit Amount for Fire Department Relief Association (CR2004-
137)
Ray Vogtman explained that because of the catastrophic losses of Dutch elm trees
this year, over 420, the department is experiencing greater expenses than usual.
Staff is picking up brush for residents and so far have gotten about 50% of the
resident pick-ups and less than that amount of the City's boulevard removals. The
stumps remain. Additional funds are needed to contract for their removal. They
should be removed before snow season. Other funds requested are for replacing 100
trees. They should be planted at the end of October. Mr. Vogtman said that he
would like to hire one contractor to do the stump removal. City staff will work with
the employees of the nursery to plant the trees. They will plant several varieties.
Jon Kent, Chair of the Depot Coffee House Board, and Dan Trackman, High School
Teacher, explained the Alternative Energy Lab at the Depot Coffee House. They are
currently writing a grant request for the planning stage. A second series of grants
would be written to purchase the equipment and supplies to implement alternative
sources at the Depot Coffee House. The information and finished products would be
available to the general public for inspection. Alternative energy principals would be .
taught in the classroom. Practical work would be done at the Depot Coffee House.
Questions concerning the Zoning regulations and if the use would be allowed at the
Depot Coffee House came up. City Planner Nancy Anderson said that they would
have to see a drawing and the specifications for the project before they could answer
the question.
Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Thompson seconded a motion
to approve the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
1 . Revenue Bond Hearing for Hopkins Mainstreet School for the Arts (CR2004-
132}
Jim Kerrigan, Director of Planning and Development, stated that the applicant
requested a continuance to October 5, 2004 on this item.
Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
continue the item to the October 5th City Council Meeting. A poll of the vote was as .
follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2.
. Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The
motion carried unanimously.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
1 . Second Reading of Ordinance 2004-929, Amending Section 710 and 715
of the Hopkins City Code (Memo)
The City is requiring the replacement of water meters with meters that can read both
high and low flows and that can be read by radio. The City is responsible for one-
inch diameter or smaller meters. Townhomes and condominiums are also single-
family homes that are or can be owner occupied. Because they require a much larger
meter, the City will credit $466.00, which is equal to the cost of a one-inch meter, to
any townhome or condominium association that replaces an old meter. The City will
credit $190, which is equal to the cost of a transponder for a 1-inch meter, to any
townhome or condominium association that installs a transponder on a meter that is
capable of accurately measuring high and low flows, but not capable of being read by
radio. When the association provides proof of the meter replacement or transponder
installation, the credit will be issued in the form of a check. The City will waive the
cost of the permit to replace the meters. Also, the City has made arrangements with
Badger for reduced costs on the meters.
. Patricia Butler, General Manager Westbrooke Patio Homes, thanked the Council for
hearing their concerns and for acting on those concerns.
Council Member Thompson moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a motion
to approve Ordinance 2004-929 for second reading and order published and adopt
Resolution 2004-76 establishing a policy for issuing credits for meter replacement. A
poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member
Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor
Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
1 . CUP, United Methodist Church Sign (CR2004-141)
The United Methodist Church on Highway 7 is proposing to construct a new sign.
The sign will have space for changeable copy. The sign will be a monument sign and
will be located on the south side of the site. All signs in institutional districts are
required to have a conditional use permit. The Zoning and Planning Commission
recommended approval. Nancy Anderson reviewed the site plan and specifications of
the sign.
. Council Member Johnson moved and Council Member Rowan seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2004-64, approving a conditional use permit to erect a sign at the
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
United Methodist Church. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member .
Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
2. Site Plan Review, Parker Office Building (CR2004-142)
Nancy Anderson, City Planner, stated that the applicant has asked to continue this
item and the next item to the September 21, 2004 City Council Meeting.
Council Member Thompson moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion
to continue the site plan review and the CUP for the Parker Office Building to the
September 2151 meeting. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
3. CUP, Parker Office Building (CR2004-143)
Action taken above.
4. Zoning Ordinance Amendments, Sculptures (CR2004-144)
Dr Pete L' Allier has applied for an ordinance amendment to erect a sculpture in the .
front of his office at 15 81h Ave N. The proposed sculpture is twenty-two feet high
and six feet wide. The sculpture would be lit from the bottom. The use is not
currently allowed in the Zoning Ordinances.
The Zoning and Planning Commission recommended approval, but not on the site as
proposed. Staff recommended denial.
Council Members discussed the use of art in the business districts. Several of the
Council Members expressed their desire to incorporate the use of art in the business
area and would like to see the use of art allowed in the Zoning Ordinances, but were
not sure that this amendment would be the best way to do that. They agreed that
they would like more time to study the issue and write an ordinance creating
guidelines for future uses of art. At the same time, they were reluctant to let this
first opportunity pass.
City Attorney Jerry Steiner suggested that it was possible to change the ordinance
and direct staff to draft a moratorium on the installation of sculptures to give the
Council time to study the issue.
The applicant, Dr. Pete L'Allier, came forward to answer questions. Dr. L' Allier stated
that the form of the sculpture is the world symbol for wellness and felt that it would .
be appropriate to place in front of his clinic. He would prefer to see the sculpture in
Hopkins rather than at his other clinic in Mound, but wants the sculpture to be viewed
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
. as an asset by the City of Hopkins. If there were to be complaints about the
sculpture, he would take it down. Dr. L' Allier said that he would like to have the
sculpture installed before snow falls. If Hopkins doesn't decide in time for him to do
that, he would install the sculpture in Mound.
Dr. L' Allier agreed to continue the item for review.
Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Thompson seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2004-67, approving Ordinance 2004-932, which would amend the
zoning ordinance to allow sculptures in the B-2 zoning district for first reading and
direct staff to begin the process of placing a moratorium on the use of sculptures in
the district. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye;
Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member
Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, nay. The motion carried.
5. Site Plan Review, Meadow Creek Garages (CR2004-145)
Meadow Creek is proposing to construct new garages. There are 536 condos in the
association and 28 garage buildings with a total of 128 garages. They have a total of
1062 parking spaces in nine separate lots. They are proposing to begin with the
addition of new garages in lot 4, The lot serves 88 units and has 24 garages. They
. will add 38 new garage spaces and reconfigure 126 surface spaces. This would be
the first parking lot to offer the new garages. If there is a demand for the garages,
other lots will be considered for additional garages and each lot will go through the
site plan review. Nancy Anderson reviewed the site plan.
Doug Strand ness, Manager, came forward and answered questions. The slabs will
have a noticeable slope to drain the area. A steel wall will separate each unit. The
exterior will be fiberboard. Openers are optional.
Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2004-68, approving the construction of garages at Lot 4, Meadow
Creek Condos. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye;
Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member
Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Approve PUD Agreement, Former Hopkins House Hotel (CR2004-148)
Nancy Anderson explained that a corrected PUD agreement had been placed on the
Council's table prior to the meeting. Ms. Anderson stated that the agreement would
authorize staff to make minor changes that do not impact the overall intent of the
agreement. As part of the rezoning to PUD, a PUD agreement has been drafted. The
. agreement outlines the terms and conditions for this specific development. If the
development does not take place, the site will revert to the base zoning of B-3,
General Business.
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
Council discussed the number of units, 48 condo units and 6 townhomes. A .
discussion of the cost per square foot was held. The agreement stated that the units
must be sold at $200 per square foot. Council Member Thompson questioned why
that figure was there. Staff answered that they thought that the Council had
expressed a concern about the quality of the units that would be sold.
Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a motion to
approve a PUD agreement to redevelop the former Hopkins House Hotel into 48
condo units and six townhomes. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
7. Site Plan Review, Starbucks Coffee (CR2004-146)
Mathwig Development is proposing to construct a Starbucks Coffee on the retail pad
south of the former Hopkins House site. This site was re-platted and a B-3 pad was
separated from the condo/townhouse site. The former Hopkins House site was
approved for redevelopment to condo and townhomes in August this year. The
applicant has also requested a CUP for a drive-thru. The Zoning and Planning
Commission recommended approval. Nancy Anderson reviewed the site plan. Ms.
Anderson stated that the traffic study that was done, was done for a more intense .
use.
The Council discussed parking and traffic.
Council Member Thompson moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion
to adopt Resolution 2004-69, approving the construction of a building that will be
used for a Starbucks Coffee. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, nay. The motion carried.
8. CUP, Drive-thru for Starbucks (CR2004-147)
Mathwig Development is proposing to construct a Starbucks Coffee on the retail pad
south of the former Hopkins House site. The applicant is applying for a conditional
use permit to construct a drive-thru for Starbucks Coffee.
Council Members discussed the former traffic study for the site.
Jane Bardwell, General Manager for Caribou Coffee came forward. Ms. Bradwell
stated that the drive-thru would require more employees; therefore they will need
more parking. Ms. Bardwell explained that a drive-thru would bring 75% of their .
business between the hours of 6 :30 and 10:00 a.m. Traffic will be concentrated at
that time of day.
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 6
. Council Members discussed the adequacy of the stacking area for the drive-thru. Mr.
Kerrigan suggested that the Council review the situation in about six months.
Council Member Brausen stated that he would prefer that Mr. Benshoof look at the
current plans and give the City a written report of the traffic and stacking
accommodations.
Jerry Steiner, City Attorney, stated that the City could give approval and reserve the
right to revoke the CUP if the traffic warrants doing so.
Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Rowan seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2004-70, approving a conditional use permit for a drive-through at
Starbucks Coffee with the condition that Benshoof and Associates reviews the
current site plan and reports to staff on whether or not the stacking, backing out from
the townhouses, and parking on Robinwood will flow propedy. A poll of the vote
was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye;
Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, nay.
The motion carried.
9. Approve Preliminary Levy (CR2004-1501
. The truth in taxation process required the City to certify a proposed levy and set
public hearing dates. A proposed general fund budget has been established.
Adoption of the actual budget will occur in December 2004 and the levy cannot
exceed the approved proposed levy.
Christine Harkess, Finance Director, reviewed the proposed levy. The proposed tax
levy for 2004 payable in 2005 is $8,198,136, an increase of 6.41 %. Because of the
decertification of three tax increment districts, the City's tax base increased 23.14%.
It is expected that for the average homeowner, the tax will not increase unless there
is a significant increase in the value of the home.
Council Member Johnson moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2004-73, Approving Proposed 2004 Tax Levy Collectible in 2005,
Proposed 2005 General Fund Budget, and Setting Public Hearing Dates; and adopt
Resolution 2004-75, Approving a Decrease in the 2005 Tax Levy Requirement for the
June 1, 2003 HRA Leased Revenue Bonds. A poll of the vote was as follows:
Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member
Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
.
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 7
10. First Reading of Ordinance 2004-931, Amending Section 703 of the City .
Code (Deferred Assessments (CR2004-138)
Section 703 allows the City to defer special assessments for up to ten years. This
provision was put into place in 1990. It has been used a number of times to assist
elderly homeowners with the cost of assessment. Historically, the assessments have
been paid prior to the ten-year expiration.
Recently, staff has been approached by a resident whose ten-year deferment is
expiring. The original assessment plus interest is now due. The result of the
deferment has been to increase the cost to the homeowner.
Minnesota statute allows the City to defer special assessments for persons 65 and
older or who are retired by virtue of a permanent and total disability until on of the
following occurs: 1) the death of the owner, provided that the spouse is otherwise
not eligible for the benefit; 2) the sale, transfer or subdivision of the property or any
part thereof; 3) if the property should loose homestead designation; or 4) if for any
reason the taxing authority deferring the payments shall determine that there would
be no hardship to require the immediate or partial payment.
Ordinance 2004-931 would remove the ten-year limit and adopt the above reasons
for ending the deferment. .
Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
adopt Ordinance 2004-931 for first reading. A poll of the vote was as follows:
Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson, aye; Council Member
Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
11. Approve 2004/2005 HMEA Contract (CR2004-135)
The contract calls for a 2% wage increase effective January 1, 2004, a 1 % wage
increase effective June 27, 2004, and a 2 % wage increase effective January 1,
2005. The contract also provides for an increase in the City's contribution for
insurance of $20.00 per month for 2004. The increase will apply to all employees in
the unit. Employees hired after August 1, 2004 who have single insurance, will
receive single health, dental, and life insurance at a cost not to exceed $500.00 in
2005, there will be a $40.00 per month increase for employees with family, single
plus one, or Single plus children group health insurance and a $15.00 per month
increase for employees with single coverage. Employees will also receive one
additional vacation day per year. The total cost of the wage and benefit increase is
within the budget.
Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Rowan seconded a motion to .
approve the 2004-2005 Contract for HMEA retroactive to January 1, 2004. A poll of
September 7, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 8
. the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Thompson,
aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell,
aye. The motion carried unanimously.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member moved and Council Member
seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by
unanimous consent at p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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September 7, 2004 City CouncH Meeting Minutes Page 9