IV.1. Minutes of the January 6, 2023 City Council Goal Setting SessionHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 6, 2023
ATTENDANCE
Present for the Hopkins City Council and Staff Retreat 2023 were the following: Mayor
Hanlon, Council Members Balan, Beck, Garrido and Hunke, City Manager Mornson,
Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Clerk Domeier, Finance Director Bishop, Interim
Public Works Director Autio, Police Chief Johnson, Fire Chief Specken, Planning and
Development Director Elverum, Recreational Director O’Dea and Chad Weinstein with
Ethical Leaders in Action, LLC.
Welcome
Mayor Hanlon welcomed the team to the retreat. Facilitator Weinstein provided
information on the proposed agenda. City Manager Mornson also provided opening
comments.
Opening Exercise: Pride and Hope
Participants shared aspects of the year’s achievements that were a source of pride, and
one hope for future growth and improvement for the City. Staff added achievements not
arising in discussion.
Debrief: Affirming Shared Commitments
Participants discussed impressions and proposed updates.
Addressing Council Members and staff by titles and last name creates a sense of
respect for the individuals and for the proceedings.
In meetings, pause to allow the mayor to recognize speakers, information
recognition is sufficient.
Take time to listen to one another.
Remove the no condescension and replace with a shared respect for each other.
Speak openly and candidly to increase transparency. If you already know data or
information share it. If you need more information, allow staff the option to get a
response in the future. Allow Council Members to not disclose or share.
Share questions with staff in advance. Staff wants to provide a response that is
prepared and answers the question with as much information as possible.
Staff introduce themselves when speaking at meetings.
Staff member manage public comments and enforcement time limits. Potential
options for technology settings including muting of microphones or a clock.
The Council guides direction and strategy and establishes priorities but does not
manage staff.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 6, 2023
Staff is responsible for management and implementation but should not make
strategic decisions or speak for the City on matters of policy without direction from
Council.
Direction from individual Council Members may be time consuming, when an
information request would meet the threshold to come from the entire Council.
Elected officials generally interact with the City Manager, Assistant City Manager,
and Department Heads. Direct communication to the City Manage when possible.
When communication to other staff members, copy the City Mana ger.
Serving, Representing, and Leading
Participants discussed the different ways elected and appointed officials serve and lead
the City; how constituent input informs council action; and how city officials serve and
connect with constituents.
Looking Back to Look Forward
Assistant City Manager Ari Lenz along with Finance Director Bishop lead an interactive
discussion on achievements made on the areas of strategic direction defined one year
ago, setting the stage for 2023.
Potential discussion items for 2023:
Parking Lot: Green building standards for developers
Parking Lot: Source of funding for housing trust fund
Parking Lot: Budget survey
Parking Lot: 2024 Streets Project pacing for interest rates
Parking Lot: Depot deficit issues and partner funding
Parking Lot: Public Safety/Police Staffing
Strategic – Moving Forward
City Council discussed direction and guidance to modify and/or advance the current
strategic priorities.
Promoting Hopkins, especially business development
Economic Development
o Mainstreet – end to end
Social Media Campaigns
o Labor intensive, on-going
o Continuing Facebooks paid ads
o Education/communication is valuable
o Current focus on audience
o Separate marking from civic communication
o Seeking the right consultant partner
o “Market to yourself”
Amenities (build on our strengths)
o Hotel (on scope)
Build on our strengths
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 6, 2023
80 bike score/cycling
Brewpubs
Special events
Climate and environmental sustainability
Partners in Energy/Sustainability Committee
Green Cost Share
Solar on the landfill and solar garden
Cycle track planning
o Artery and 17th Avenue – regional trails
Grant monitoring – nimble project selection
True inclusion
Culture Brokers and Equity/Inclusion Plan
o Provide recommendations for the future
Connectivity with community faith based partners
Hiring part-time cultural liaisons
Proclamations throughout the year
Affordability
Branding question: TIF
City does not have resources to drive it alone
Partnerships – Trellis owned land, unique situation
NOAH – 4D Program – tax rate reduction
Talk to sellers to match with affordable housing providers
Market rate and luxury housing offsets cots of subsidized affordable housing
Perspective – we have good affordable housing stock in Hopkins
Keep taxes reasonable – realism
Planning for tax capacity changes as subsidies expire
Public safety
Fire Department staffing study underway
Police Department staffing study
Community EMS with St. Louis Park
Parking Lot Discussion/Closing Exercise
Deferred issues (“parking lot”) were discussed. The day concluded with a brief summary
exercise.
Parking Lot: Green building standards for developers (Part of sustainability discussion)
Parking Lot: Source of funding for housing trust fund (Part of affordable housing
discussion)
Parking Lot: 2024 Streets Project pacing for interest rates (Finance Director
Bishop/Interim Public Works Director Autio)
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 6, 2023
Parking Lot: Depot deficit issues and partner funding (Finance Director Bishop)
Parking Lot: Public Safety/Police Staffing
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion the retreat ended at 3:52 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk