Agenda
Schedule:
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
FINAL AGENDA
October 7, 2003
7:30 pm
THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
UNTIL THE START OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
7:15 pm - HRA Meeting
7:30 pm - City Council Meeting .
Work Session at conclusion of City Council meeting
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1. CALL TO ORDER
!!. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS
(Public must fill out a Speaker Request Form. Three minute limit for each person)
ill. OATH OF OFFICE
Reserve Police officers (four); Reid
IV. PRESENTATION
1. Elks monetary presentation to Police Department for AED Equipment
.
V.
REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
1. Zoning and Planning Commission
2. Chemical Health Commission
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting
2. Minutes of September 16, 2003 City Council Work Session
3. Minutes of September 23, 2003 City Council Work Session
4. Minutes of August 19, 2003 City Council Work Session
5. Ratify prior month's disbursements
6. Approve Engineering Services Agreement, 2004 street and utility improvement
projects; (CR2003-147) - J. Anderson
7. Approve contract with Hennepin County for assessing services; (CR2003-143) -
Genellie
8. Approve sidewalk easement to City of Hopkins, 2nd St No and Tyler Ave No;
(CR2003-152) - Stadler
9. Approve final Payment, Nine Mile Cove water main repair; (CR2003-146) - J.
Anderson
10. Resolution, Three Rivers Park trail plan; (CR2003-153) - Stadler
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Vote: Brausen
Jensen
Rowan
Johnson
Maxwell
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL THE RAZZLE LINE - 939-1421
(The Razzle Line is the City of Hopkins voice message system)
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VII. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Miscellaneous assessments, (CR2003-149) - J. Anderson
Vote: Brausen
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
Jensen
Johnson
Maxwell
Rowan
1. Carnival permit, Raspberry Festival, (CR2003-150) - Genellie
Vote: Brausen
IX. NEW BUSINESS
Jensen
Rowan
Johnson
Maxwell
1. CUP for sign at Terraces (St. Therese); (CR2003-151) - N. Anderson
Vote: Brausen
Jensen
Rowan
Johnson
Maxwell
2. Accept streetscape plan, Blake Road; (Memo) - N. Anderson
Vote: Brausen
Jensen
Rowan
Johnson
Maxwell
3. Modification to Legislative Policy 5-C, Use of City Buildings; (CR2003-148) -
Genellie
Vote: Brausen
X ADJOURNMENT
Jensen
Rowan
Johnson
Maxwell
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A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on September 16, 2003, in
the Council Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Brausen, Jensen, Johnson, and
Rowan. Also, present were staff members Mielke, Genellie, Stadler, Kerrigan, J.
Anderson, Taber, Stahmer, and City Attorney Jerre Miller.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none.
III. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
1. Chemical Health Commission
.
Bert Schmidt reported for the Chemical Health Commission. The Depot had a
Freight Yard Party Saturday, September 13th and released the new CD at that time,
Two hundred, fifty CDs were produced and they have sold several. They need
volunteers for chaperoning events at the Depot. Vidya is working with AA and NA
to start a group at the Depot.
The school is doing the Homecoming Parade on Friday, September 19. They will
be assembling at Central Park, and ending at Maetzold Park. It will start at 4:45
p.m.
Sharon McDonald reported that the "Reduce the Use" town meeting is postponed
until Fall, 2004 based on the depth of information that can be shared following the
next Minnesota Student Survey. The student survey will be given in the spring of
2004. They are starting a tobacco diversion program at the school. Hopkins is
named as a partner in a cessation grant that Hennepin County received from
Medica. September is recovery month.
2. Park Board
Mayor Maxwell said that the Board Chair contacted him and indicated that he was
scheduled to appear, but could not make the meeting. At their meeting, the Board
discussed the Winter Use Permit for trails and received the Three Rivers
. presentation. They are getting a count of the amount of use of the archery court
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 1
if!
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at Valley Park. The information will be assessed to see if the area could be used
better, possibly for a dog park.
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IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of September 2, 2003 City Council Meeting
2. Minutes of September 2, 2003 City Council Work Session
3. Minutes of September 9, 2003 City Council Work Session
4. Miscellaneous License Applications
5. Appointment of Election Judges (CR2003-141)
6. Order Feasibility Report; 2004 Street and Utility Improvement Projects
(CR2003-142)
7. Order Miscellaneous Assessment Hearings (CR2003-142)
8. Amend 2004-2008 CIP to Delete 2004 Trail Construction (CR2003-142)
9. Winter Use Permit on Regional Trails (CR2003-138)
Mayor Maxwell asked Steve Stadler to briefly review item eight. Mr. Stadler stated
that the CIP includes the completion of two trails in 2004. The City has been
approved for a matching grant of $52,000. The City's portion would also be
$52,000. The trail would require easements at an additional cost. Because of .
budget cuts, a decision has been made to remove the two trails from the CIP.
In response to Mayor Maxwell, John Anderson explained that the Feasibility Report
in item six, is the first step taken for an assessable project. The Feasibility Report
for the 2004 street and utility improvements will be done in-house to save costs.
Council Member Rowan moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to
approve the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
V. PRESENTATION
1. Presentation, Depot Student Board Update
Depot Board Members Jon Kent, Alj Moeller, Spencer Leuthold, and Evan Coon,
gave a report on the Depot Coffee House. Chair, Jon Kent, presented a packet of
information and a copy of the CD to each City Council Member. Ms. Moeller spoke
of the diversity of the student usage and that students from many school districts
utilized the Depot. Mr. Leuthold spoke of a project that is being done jointly with
the Hopkins Police Department. They are compiling juvenile arrest information to .
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 2
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try to show why juveniles are being arrested. They.will be looking at alternative
programs through the Depot for keeping kids out of trouble.. . Mr. Coon described
the process of making the CD and the learning experience for the kids involved in
going through copy rights and the legal issues. David Braeten, Instructor, Hopkins
School District, explained to the Council how the Depot Coffee House is being used
as a business lab. Approximately 140 students have been involved in the.past
year.
2. Presentation, Three Rivers Park District Trail Plan (Memo)
The Three Rivers Park District is requesting support and Metropolitan Council
funding for a trail system master plan for a continuous multi-purpose trail from the
SW Regional LRT trail at 11 th Ave S in Hopkins to the Minnesota River Valley trail
system in Bloomington.
The Park Board received the trail plan presentation at their September 15th meeting.
.
Allen Palmer, Stanley Consultants presented the plan to the City Council. Mr.
Palmer said that it is a Master Plan with conceptual alignment connecting the
existing trails. The implementation will not be immediate. The Park District plans
on maintaining the trails. There will be no winter maintenance. The next step
would be to offer an open house for the South Hopkins Residents. They are
planning for Three Rivers Park District Board approval in November and Met Council
approval by the end of the year.
The Park District would like to receive a Hopkins.City Council Resolution of support
by November 2003.
The City Council agreed that the plan is a good plan. Staff will draft a resolution
offering continued support and place the item on the October 7th agenda for
. Council approval.
VI. PUBLIC HEARING
There was none
VII. OLD BBUSINESS
1. Raspberry Festival Carnival (Memo)
This item was continued from the August 19th Council meeting. The Festival is to
report back to the City Council with information on the items listed below.
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 3
Jim Mashek and Dale Specken of the Raspberry Festival appeared to answer the
questions raised at the previous meeting.
.
. Results of the notification of residential and commercial neighbors
The residents of City Gables were notified. Mr. Mashek received three
letters from residents expressing disapproval.
. Hours of operation
Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday July 20 from noon to 11 :00 p.m.
. Noise
Music and Sound Systems will be turned off at 8:30 p.m.
. Security
Murphy Brothers supplies their own security. They also propose to hire
Sheriff's Deputies. They will work with Hopkins Police in whatever capacity
is needed.
Clean-up
The Raspberry Festival will hire On-Site sanitation for the event. Murphy
Brothers has a whole crew that constantly cleans up the site. Waste
Management will provide garbage containment and removal.
Insurance
Dates and times that the carnival will set up and be torn down
Written approval from the American Legion
Meeting with the Police Department to address its concerns
. Parking.
St. Joe's is a private parking area and the only inconvenience is to their own
congregation. St. Joe's has determined that the benefits of the carnival out-
weigh the inconvenience. The area is surrounded by public parking lots and
neighborhood parking for the patrons.
Council members discussed the size of the carnival, where trucks and sleeping
trailers would be parked, and the number of rides and games.
Doug Palmer, President of the City Gables Homeowners Association, and Cecil
Clausen, former president of the Association, came forward. The association held
a meeting and of 46 occupied units, 42 signed a petition that stated they did not
want the carnival at that location. Mr. Palmer indicated that the plans had changed
significantly since the information was presented to the group. Mr. Palmer thought
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 4
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that the residents might look more favorably on the current plans. One big change
is that they are no longer requesting the closure of 12th Ave S.
The Council urged the Raspberry Festival to meet with the City Gable Residents to
see if they could come to an agreement on the issue. Mr. Palmer invited Mr.
Mashek and Mr. Specken to present the information to the group at 2:00 p.m. on
the 17th of September. Both agreed.
The Council Members were favorable to the carnival. The Raspberry Festival will
apply for the permit and the City Council will act on the application at the October
7th meeting.
No action was taken.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
At this time, Mr. Mielke said that there were visitors in the audience waiting for the
last item on the agenda and suggested that that item be moved forward. Mayor
Maxwell concurred.
.
Item 3. Approval of Registered Land Survey, Marketplace Lofts (CR2003-
144)
The site was previously re-platted. The registered land survey is required to
simplify the eventual division of the tract into saleable and definable individual
condo units and allow for a deed to each unit. The document has been reviewed
by the City Attorney. City Attorney Jerre Miller stated that it breaks itself into
tracks and simplifies the ability of the seller ~o convey title to the buyers of the
units.
Council Member Jensen moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 2003-86, approving a Registered Land Survey .for the Marketplace
Lofts development. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen,
aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Council Member
Rowan, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
1. Review Centralized Dumpster Facility Between 8th and 9th (Memo)
In 2002, City staff was approached by a group of business and property owners
with a proposal to create a centralized garbage dumpster enclosure on Block 7
between 8th and 9th Aves S. The City Council voted to allow the use of three
parking stalls in Parking Lot 200 and provided $5,000 to. build the structure as a
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 5
two-year pilot project ending in 2004. Resolution 2002-17 required staff to report
the status of the project after one year.
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The central dumpster is working very well. No major problems or complaints.
Seven businesses/organizations are currently using the facility. The Central
dumpster has improved the appearance of the rear parking area and alleyway. The
structure is clean and well kept. There is one broken board on the south side of
the structure. The group has extra boards and will see to it that the broken board
will be replaced soon.
No parking issues or problems have been reported in connection with the central
dumpster.
Mainstreet Bar and Grill has spoken briefly with staff concerning the possibility of
enlarging the structure to include more of their refuse. Other building/business
owners have inquired about expanding the project to other blocks.
Staff feels that the project has succeeded in accomplishing the stated goals. Staff
recommends presenting a one-year report of the project to the Hopkins Business
and Civic Association, report back to the City with regard to those discussions with
the HBCA and seek direction from the Council on whether or not to continue the .
project and allow the structure to remain; whether or not to pursue similar
arrangements in other parts of Downtown; or to delay such decision until the
official end of the pilot project in 2004.
The Council directed staff to take the report to HBCA and to then report back their
response.
There was no action taken on the item.
2. Resolution-SW Corridor LRT Study (CR2003-139)
Resolution 2003-84 would formalize the City's position on several matters related
to the Southwest Corridor Rail Transit Study. The study was conducted by
Hennepin County and officially concluded in July of 2003. The final study
document is currently being assembled by County staff. Some of the issues
addressed by the resolution are potential/preferred alignments, parking and traffic
impacts, terminus location, types of areas to be served (residential and employment
centers) and the coexistence of rail transit and trails.
Council Member moved Brausen and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion
to approve Resolution 2003-84 Pertaining to the Results of the Southwest Corridor .
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 6
Rail Transit Study and the Future of Transit in the Corridor. A poll of the vote was
as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Council Member Rowan, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The
motion carried unanimously.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Brausen moved and Council
Member Jensen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was
adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
September 16, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 7
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August 19,2003
Page I
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 19,2003
Mayor Maxwell.called the meeting to order at 10:00 pm at the conclusion of the regular City
Council meeting at City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members
Brausen, Johnson and Rowan. Council member Jensen was absent. City personnel present were City
Manager Steve Mielke; Human Resource Director, Jim Genellie; Police Chief, Craig Reid; Public
Works Director, Steve Stadle; and Arts Center Coordinator, Susan Hanna-Bibus.
Arts Center Kiosk
The first item of discussion was the kiosk proposed for the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Susan Hanna-Bibus provided a drawing of a proposal for the kiosk, which was based upon an
example found at the Minnesota History Center.
She explained that a donation had been obtained to purchase and construct the kiosk.
Discussion centered on operational issues as well as maintaining the kiosk. Hanna-Bibus indicated
that the kiosk would be attended to daily, under the jurisdiction of the Center staff.
Compensation for Employees on Military Leave
Craig Reid and Jim Genellie provided the Council with information regarding compensation
for employees called up for active duty in the Guard or Reserves. Staff asked for direction relative to
this issue, since there is currently an employee being called up and that the City has no standing
policy on the provision of compensation for this situation.
The Council discussed the merits of providing compensation, with several members indicating
a desire to provide some level of compensation although issues remained as to how to handle
employees banked vacation. Staff was instructed to develop language and bring it back for further
discussion.
Y ard Waste
Steve Stadler presented a letter proposed to be sent to those residents who live in areas of the
City who receive street/yard waste service each fall. The Council has discussed and is considering
changing to a subscription form of service for the entire community. Stadler wished to have
direction from the Council on their desire to move forward with the proposal. After discussion, it
was determined that the letter should not be sent and instead, discussion ofthis issue should be part of
the budget process this year. At the conclusion of the budget process further direction will be given.
Work Session Minutes of August 12
Council member Brausen indicated that the work session minutes of August 12 contained some
typos and that he also wanted to clarify, on the record, his position relative to cuts to the budget. He
indicated that he felt it was the City's obligation to consider cuts that are greater than the State Aid
Reductions because of our commitment to the facilities project.
August 19,2003
Page 2
Web Site
Council member Johnson indicated that the minutes on the Web site were currently not up-to-
date.
Council member Brausen stated that the directions to City Hall on the Web site were
incorrect.
Radar Trailer
Council member Brausen asked that the radar trailer be placed on Fifth as soon as Fifth is
done, and to try and park the squads on Fifth for traffic enforcement as soon as possible. Mielke
indicated that he would speak with the Police Chief about this issue.
Tobacco and Gifts Ad
Council member Johnson informed the Council that she had provided staff with an ad from
Tobacco and Gifts indicating that Tobacco and Gifts is not the current license name, and asked staff
to investigate whether or not this ad is problematic legally.
Public Works Retirements
Council member Johnson raised the issue of retirements for the public works employees, and .
all Council members indicated that they had not received any flyers for the retirement.
There being no further business, Council member Brausen moved to adjourn, seconded by
Council member Johnson. Motion passed unanimously; the meeting was adjourned at 11 :47 pm.
Steve Mielke, Secretary
CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
.
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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August 19,2003
Page 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 19, 2003
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 10:00 pm at the conclusion of the regular City
Council meeting at City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members
Brausen, Johnson and Rowan. Council member Jensen was absent. City personnel present were City
Manager Steve Mielke; Human Resource Director, Jim Genellie; Police Chief, Craig Reid; Public
Works Director, Steve Stadle; and Arts Center Coordinator, Susan Hanna-Bibus.
Arts Center Kiosk
The first item of discussion was the kiosk proposed for the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Susan Hanna-Bibus provided a drawing of a proposal for the kiosk, which was based upon an
example found at the Minnesota History Center.
She explained that a donation had been obtained to purchase and construct the kiosk.
Discussion centered on operational issues as well as maintaining the kiosk. Hanna-Bibus indicated
that the kiosk would be attended to daily, under the jurisdiction of the Center staff.
Compensation for Employees on Military Leave
Craig Reid and Jim Genellie provided the Council with information regarding compensation
for employees called up for active duty in the Guard or Reserves. Staff asked for direction relative to
this issue, since there is currently an employee being .called up and that the City has no standing
policy on the provision of compensation for this situation.
The Council discussed the merits of providing compensation, with several members indicating
a desire to provide some level of compensation although issues remained as to how to handle
employees banked vacation. Staff was instructed to develop language and bring it back for further
discussion.
Yard Waste
Steve Stadler presented a letter proposed to be sent to those residents who live in areas of the
City who receive street/yard waste service each fall. The Council has discussed and is considering
changing to a subscription form of service for the entire community. Stadler wished to have
direction from the Council on their desire to move forward with the proposal. After discussion, it
was determined that the letter should not be sent and instead, discussion of this issue should be part of
the budget process this year. At the conclusion of the budget process further direction will be given.
Work Session Minutes of August 12
Council member Brausen indicated that the work session minutes of August 12 contained some
typos and that he also wanted to clarify, on the record, his position relative to cuts to the budget. He
indicated that he felt it was the City's obligation to consider cuts that are greater than the State Aid
Reductions because of our commitment to the facilities project.
August 19,2003
Page 2
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Web Site
Council member Johnson indicated that the minutes on the Web site were currently not up-to-
date.
Council member Brausen stated that the directions to City Hall on the Web site were
incorrect.
Radar Trailer
Council member Brausen asked that the radar trailer be placed on Fifth as soon as Fifth is
done, and to try and park the squads on Fifth for traffic enforcement as soon as possible. Mielke
indicated that he would speak with the Police Chief about this issue.
Tobacco and Gifts Ad
Council member Johnson informed the Council that she had provided staff with an ad from
Tobacco and Gifts indicating that Tobacco and Gifts is not the current license name, and asked staff
to investigate whether or not this ad is problematic legally.
Public Works Retirements
Council member Johnson raised the issue of retirements for the public works employees, and .
all Council members indicated that they had not received any flyers for the retirement.
There being no further business, Council member Brausen moved to adjourn, seconded by
Council member Johnson. Motion passed unanimously; the meeting was adjourned at 11 :47 pm.
Steve Mielke, Secretary
CITY COUNCIL
ATTEST:
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Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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September 16, 2003
Page 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 16,2003
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 9: 15 pm at the conclusion ofthe regular City Council
meeting at City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen,
Johnson, Jensen, and Rowan. City personnel present were City Manager Steve Mielke; Community Services
Director Jim Genellie, and City Attorney Jerre Miller
Charitable Gambling Proceeds
The first item of discussion was concerning the potential ordinance providing for the collection of up
to 10 percent of the charitable gambling proceeds within the City of Hopkins.
Jim Genellie indicated that in drafting the ordinance to collect 10 percent of the gambling proceeds
from those organizations who lease and do not own their own gambling premises was questionable in tenns of
its legality. Attorney Miller also stated that he had concerns of equal protection under such a policy decision.
After discussion the City Council asked that the policy and ordinance be brought back to the first meeting in
November for further review, and directed the staff to provide notice and information to licensed gambling
organizations.
Potential Flooding at Intersection
Council member Brausen indicated that he had monitored the intersection of 5th Avenue and
Mainstreet for potential flooding, and found that flooding did occur at the northeast comer ofthe intersection
after the most recent rainfall. Mielke indicated he would follow up with the public works director and report
back to the City Council on the conditions at the intersection.
Proclamations
Mayor Maxwell indicated to the Council he had received several proclamations, which he will
consider for Council adoption.
Cable Television Bulletin Board
City Manager Mielke informed the Council that the cable television bulletin board had ceased
functioning and was in need of replacement. He stated that the cost would be $5,000 to $10,000 and that the
cost would be borne by the City of Hopkins.
Plantation Apartments
Mielke informed the Council that the City had received a letter from the attorney representing the
owner of the Plantation Apartments. The apartments have experienced flooding and the attomey's
correspondence indicates that the owner ofthe apartment building feels that the cause ofthe flooding
is due to City actions or inactions. Mielke indicated he would be asking the public works director to
review this situation and report back to the City Council, as well as to inform the City Attomey's .
office.
Downtown Park Celebration
Mielke indicated that the starting time of the downtown park celebration on October 8 would be 6:30
pm.
September 16,2003
Page 2
There being no further items of discussion, Council member Johnson moved to adjourn, seconded b.
Council member Jensen. Motion passed unanimously; the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm.
Steve Mielke, Secretary
CITYCOUNCrr..
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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September 23, 2003
Page 1
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - September 23, 2003
Mayor Gene Maxwell called a work session of the Hopkins City Council to order at 6:30p.m. on
September 23, 2003, at the City Hall. Council members Brausen, Jensen, Johnson and Rowan were
present. City personnel present were: City Manager Steve Mielke; Finance Director Lori Yager;
Recreation Director David Johnson; Economic Director Jim Kerrigan; Public Works Director Steve
Stadler; Fire Chief Don Beckering and Dale Specken; Police Chief Craig Reid and police personnel
Connie Kurtz and James Liddy. Also present was David Chase of Kraus-Anderson.
Award Bid
Mr..... Stadler. said he had solicited bids and received 3 for the structural steel for the Police
Department renovations. He recommends Thumbeck Steel. Mr. Chase said the timetable was part of the
bid package so construction would stay on schedule even though the bid was later than the others; shop
drawings should be ready in 4 weeks, with steel delivery 1 week after drawings approval. Answering
Mayor Maxwell, he said that the footings for the fire department area were held up when sewer line
issues came up; rather than adding cost, however, the new plan may be slightly cheaper. Answering Mr.
Brausen, Mr. Stadler said security system and landscaping bids are still to come. Mr. Chase added
security plans have been difficult, and a third consultant is being used. Public Works grading,
curb/ gutter and asphalt base should be done in October. The main building is toofed and .interior work is
in progress. Fire station masonry should catch up as the contractor has added more help for the
brickwork. The Pavilion is pushed out to the end of October.
Ms. Johnson moved the Council adopt Resolution 2003-087, resolution to award steel fabrication.
and supply contract, Police Station renovation project, to Thumbeck Steel Fabrication, Inc. Ms. Jensen
seconded. Passed 5-0.
Discussion, 2004 Budget
Recreation
Mr. Johnson's recommendations would cut $14,500 from his budget, including the senior
services transferred to Activity Center and Joint Recreation line item reduction. done in 2003. He said
one park guest service attendant could handle reserved shelters in both parks, saving $8,000. Mayor
Maxwell said any parties making reservations should know when the attendant would be at their park.
There was general discussion on warming houses at ice rinks. Mr. Johnson will work out a plan to have
3 open at one time, on a rotating schedule. Raising seasonal fees for Shady Oak met general approval.
Ms. Jensen suggested increasing resident season passes to $30. Others agreed. Mr. Johnson noted that
while Hopkins depends on Joint Recreation more for indoor events, Minnetonka relies on Hopkins for
the outdoor grounds. He added the playground program, ice rinks, and park attendant are not part of the
Joint Recreation program.
. Planning
Mr. Kerrigan's recommended transfer of some salary expense to Hop-a-Ride and Section 8 and
elimination of overtime. Mr. Mielke said he did not recommend the transfer of salary expense to Hop-a-
Ride, as that would add cost to a program that needs general fund support.
Fire
Chief Beckering said the department would seek donations to continue the fire prevention
supplies Cutting back the EMR was discussed. Chief Beckering said it would put more responsibility on
the police; Chief Reid said his concern is his department has only one AED. Mr. Mielke said this is a
cutback that could cost lives. Ms. Kurtz noted dispatch has set guidelines for when to call medical
September 23, 2003
Page 2
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emergency. Mr. Liddy suggested that non-emergency would not need to involve the fire department.
Answering Mr. Brausen, Mr. Liddy said ambulances normally take 7 minutes. Fire response cutbacks
were also discussed. Mr. Specken said fire response with a full crew would then be about 10 minutes
more. On average 15 show up at night; however, daytime calls get only a few. Chief Beckering said the
mutual aid agreement with St. Louis Park helps both cities as St. Louis Park has hired staff in daytime
and Hopkins volunteers are more available at night. Mr. Mielke noted that Council had already indicated
they wanted 36 volunteers, not 30. Chief Beckering said he felt a 30-hour position for Fire Marshal
would be very difficult to fill; and that the department felt the City needed a 40-hour position. He needs
more direction before he could profitably follow-up about contracting services out. Answering Council
questions he and Mr. Specken said annual inspections are required only in multiple housing, and no
commercial maintenance inspection is required. Fire personnel are good about noting when they need to
pre-plan a building. Fire personnel could not take over the Fire Marshal's education duties. Hopkins has
a higher death'ratedue to-fire than average; 6Qhave.died.in the past 5 years. Both Inspections and the'~'~ -
Fire Marshal are responsible for building inspections, though each check for different things. Mr.
Rowan suggested rotating "on-call" personnel for weekends so enough are always available then.
ChiefBeckering said his main concern is that by 2005 the department will lose 8-10 of its senior
people. When he retires, 3 have said they will also go. If the college leaves, all senior officers will be
gone. He hopes to have a plan for 2005 in December; he wants to know things are in place before he
retires. Mr. Mielke said changes might need to be phased in. Possibilities would be a full-time fire
chief/marshal or a combination police/fire position that is task-oriented.
Mayor Maxwell said charges for calls needs to be explored more.
Chief Beckering will come back with a call charges schedule. He will look into the idea of a Fire ..
Marshal 30 hours/Inspections 10 hours combination. He will bring his 2005 plan. Staff will see what
inspection fees were increased, what ones should be increased, how much revenue has come in and could
be expected.
Police
Chief Reid commended Connie Kurtz for the money she has saved the department in contracts
and buying furniture. He said Captain Liddy has put in long hours on a nursing home calls program,
which has really helped the department. He noted his department has gone from $150,000 to $60,000 in
overtime costs, even though he has had full staff only five days since he came in February 2000. There
were 15,161 calls last year; false 911 calls are the biggest problem. The K-9 officer resigned today. He
has told the school Hopkins will probably not continue in the liaison program. Discussion followed on
the part time secretary and lead dispatcher. He and Ms. Kurtz explained the problems not having a lead
dispatcher have caused, and Chief Reid noted that Ms. Kurtz is a PSO but worked only dispatch for 12
years. Chief Reid stated that the loss of a full-time secretary would add stress to the department, but that
he thinks it can work. Both agreed that maintaining a lead dispatcher position was more critical than the
secretary position. Mr. Mielke noted the dispatch position was not on his "cut list."
iscussion then centered on revenue. Chief Reid recommended an annual alarm permit like St. Louis
Park and Minnetonka. A side benefit would be more up-to-date records. He also recommends raising
fees for false alarms; now there are 4 free, then a $50 fee for the fifth. He feels there should be only 2
free, and the 3rd $50, up to the 5th being $100; this change would bring in $3800 to $4700 next year. Ms.
Johnson and Ms. Jensen felt there should be only 1 free false alarm call. The others agreed 1 or 2.
Chief Reid noted Hopkins alarm ordinance was passed in 1980 and many cities have copied it since.
Chief Reid added the furlough system would not work for the fire department as weekends and .
summers are their busy times.
September 23, 2003
Page 3
Community Budget Meeting, Sept. 30
Mr. Mielke asked for feedback on what Council wanted covered at the meeting. It was agreed
that in discussion of the 2003 budget it should be noted that it was cut 8 %, and the 2004 cuts start from
that.
In discussing the "budget problem," losing 13% of the budget or $1,100,000 and rising costs
were agreed on. After discussion it was agreed "ability to pay" should stress the community tax base
issue. Mayor Maxwell suggested the reasons LGA was given to cities in the first place be explained.
People want the same services as Minnetonka, but don't have the ability to pay for them after the loss of
LGA. Concerning the Property Tax Problem, Mr. Rowan suggested comparing the communities;
Hopkins has no big malls; now it is hard for the city because they have no LGA to equalize that
disparity. Ms. Jensen said it should be stressed it could have been a 17.5% rather than the 9.9%
increase. She added 'dilemma' was a good word for the budget issue.
.,.For the 2004 budget it was-agreed listing 'programs and issues was good. Ms. Johnson added
there have to be items that really affect the listeners. Mayor Maxwell suggested attendees be asked what
else can be cut. Revenues should be discussed from a budget rather than a levy stance.
Mr. Mielke said department heads would be there.
Ms. Yager noted the budget must be set by the last work session in October.
Other
Mr. Rowan said Stages has said they are getting calls that reservations will be cancelled if
signage about guns is not in place. Mr. Mielke will work on the issue.
Ms. Johnson noted Raspberry and Jaycees got Mr. Genellie's letter on gambling today and that
the groups will have discussions about the 10% fund issue.
Ms. Jensen brought up the Beard event October 1 and indicated she would be attending.
Ms. Jensen moved adjournment. Ms. Johnson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor