IV.3. Minutes of the November 9, 2021 City Council Work Session ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 9, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, November 9, 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, City Clerk
Domeier, Assistant City Manager Lenz, Finance Director Bishop, Public Works Director
Stanley and Assistant Public Works Director Autio.
Special Revenue Fund Budgets and Activity Center Budget; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop provided information on the special revenue fund budgets and
the Activity Center fund budget.
Council Member Brausen asked staff to share the Center for the Arts staffing changes.
Assistant City Manager Lenz provided information on the staff changes. City Manager
Mornson also provided information about use agreements with Stages and ISD 270.
Mayor Gadd talked about the façade improvement program. City Manager Morn son
provided history on the façade improvement program. Council Member Brausen shared
the positives of the program.
Mr. Bishop stated that some of American Rescue Plan funds may be used for some of
the programs. He anticipated ARP funds discussion in early 2022.
Recommended 2022 Tax Levy & Budget; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop provided recommendations for the 2022 Tax Levy and Budget.
Council Member Brausen questioned the Activity Center facility project. Assistant City
Manager Lenz provided more information about the proposed project. Council Member
Brausen questioned the need to increase the Capital Improvement fund. Mr. Bishop
talked about the fund balance and to use funds towards unfunded projects.
Council Member Beck preferred to spend funds on architectural work at the Activity
Center instead of an updated sounds system. He shared concerns about increasing
fund balances. Council Member Brausen agreed but shared concerns about the
historical society use at the Activity Center. Council Member Hunke suggested finding
other ways to fund the sound system. Mr. Bishop stated that further discussion with the
Hopkins Youth Hockey Association about the sound system has occurred and can be
discussed further. Director of Public Works Stanley provide d history on the sound
system.
Council Member Hunke questioned the lack of funds for Public Works Park and Forestry
until 2023. Director of Public Work Stanley stated in 2023 there is a large equipment
purchase.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 9, 2021
Council Member Hunke supported reducing the levy to 2.24% but cautioned too much
of a reduction for the effect on future budgets.
Council Member Beck questioned using park dedication funds towards park debt. Mr.
Bishop provided more information about the use of the park improvement fund. Ms.
Lenz provided information about the limitations in using park dedication fees.
City Manager Mornson stated staff would review options for the budget and tax levy
before December 7. Council Member Brausen support the reduced levy amount.
Mayor Gadd shared concerns about reducing fund balances. Discussion was held
about the park fund balance.
The City Council generally supported the 2.24% levy increase. They also wanted more
information on the park funds and the Pavilion sound system purchase.
Review 2022 – 2026 Capital Improvement & Equipment Replacement Plans;
Bishop
Finance Director Bishop provided a summary of the 2022 -2026 Capital Improvement
(CIP) and Equipment Replacement (ERP) Plans.
Council Member Beck supported the ERP ending balances. Mayor Gadd talked about
the Financial Management Plan being factored into decisions.
OTHER
Betty Fenton, 426 Hollyhock Lane, shared concerns about a 2.24% tax increase . Ms.
Fenton also shared her concerns about the Arts Center and Activity Center. She
requested the ROI on economic development
Renee Kessler, 210 Ashley Road, shared concerns about funding the Art Center,
having a plan and productivity funds for the Activity Center, productivity measures on
the parking funds. She also shared concerns about use of the American Rescue Plan
funds. Finance Director Bishop provided information on the use of CARES and ARP
funds.
William Anderson, 102 Wayside Avenue, question ed why we are giving the City away to
the highest bidder instead of recognizing the businesses that invest on their own. Mr.
Anderson shared his concerns about the fees for sprinkling his commercial business.
Assistant City Manager Lenz spoke to the funding for the Activity Center and Arts
Center.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 9, 2021
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Brausen, second by Halverson, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Jason Gadd, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk