IV.2. Minutes of the June 14, 2022 City Council Work Session ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 14, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010
1st Street South.
Mayor Hanlon called the meeting to order with Council Members Balan, Beck, Garrido
and Hunke attending. Others attending included City Manager Mornson, Management
Analyst Imihy Bean, City Clerk Domeier, Finance Director Bishop, Director of Planning
and Development Elverum and Community Development Coordinator Youngquist.
Motion by Balan. Second by Garrido.
Motion to Adopt the Agenda.
Ayes: 5. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Proposals for Lot 800; Elverum
Director of Planning and Development Elverum stated o ne proposal was received from
William Stoddard of Stoddard Companies. The proposal describes a project consisting of
up to ten market rate townhomes sold to individual buyers. The stated purchase price for
the land is $60,000. Mr. Stoddard also outlined an option of increasing the purchase price
to $160,000 if he were to receive tax increment financing.
Discussion was held about the fair market value, developer comments related to
construction costs and affordable housing, and the types of uses. The general consensus
was to wait for a future project and point the applicant to another site. Future discussion
will be held about the vision for the site.
325 Blake Road Update; Youngquist
Community Development Coordinator provided an update on 325 Blake Road in
anticipation for the June 20 public hearing.
Hopkins’ Zoning Regulations Update; Elverum
Director of Planning and Development Elverum distributed the high level changes to the
proposed zoning code. The first reading of the zoning code will be on June 20 . Council
Member Balan requested that staff email the document.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Overview; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop provided a brief overview of the City’s TIF district. Hopkins has
used TIF to facilitate key redevelopment projects that have had meaningful impacts on
the City.
Financial Management Plan; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop provided history on the Financial Management Plan. He also
provided an overview of the preliminary financial projects for the 2023-2027 timeframe.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 14, 2022
Discussion was held about the park improvement fees, street projects and pavement
study, the levy increase, fee study for services and other ways to reduce the levy. The
City Council encouraged staff to keep exploring ways to reduce the levy.
Fund Balance Discussion; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop requested direction regarding the fund balance surplus. The
City’s fund balance policy states: “At the end of each fiscal year, the City will strive to
maintain Spendable – Unassigned portions of the fund balance for Cash Flow equivalent
to a minimum of five (5) months or 42% of the prior fiscal year General Fund operating
expenditures.” The purpose of maintaining this level of fund balance is for cash flow
needs, emergencies or contingencies.
Mayor Hanlon requested a list summarizing surplus use options and effects on the levy.
The City Council consensus was to the use the fund balance towards existing budget
requests. The City Council supported the Fire Department staffing study. Council Member
Beck requested future discussion on the history center needs. Mayor Hanlon requested
that Ehlers evaluate the fund balance in relation to the current inflation.
OTHER
City Manager Mornson suggested a tour of the Trellis project before the July 19 City
Council meeting. The ribbon cutting is set for Monday, August 1 before the City Council
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Balan, second by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Patrick Hanlon, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk