Agenda
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
FINAL AGENDA
. November 81 2000
7:30 p.m.
THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
UNTIL THE START OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Schedule: 7:15 - HRA Meeting
7:30 pm - City Council meeting
Work session at conclusion of City Council meeting
!. CALL TO ORDER
II. OPEN AGENDA ~ PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS
(Public must fill out a Speaker Request Form. Three minute limit for each person)
III. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
1. Zoning and Planning Commission
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
. 1. Minutes of October 17,2000 City Council meeting
2. Minutes of October 17,2000 City Council work session
3. Minutes of October 24, 2000 City Council work session
4. Minutes of October 30,2000 City Council work session
5. Ratify prior month's disbursements
6. Policy on National Night Out activities (CR2000-177) Reid
7. Order Feasibility Report, 2001 alley reconstruction project (CR2000-180),
Gessele
8. 2000-2001 Hopkins Police Association contract (CR2000-117), Genellie
9. 2000-2001 Hopkins Police Sergeants contract (CR2000-183), Genellie
10. Award bid, used motor grader (CR2000-178), Kerber
11. Approve Engineering Services Agreement, Area 8 storm sewer improvements
(CR2000-184), Gessele
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
V. OATH OF OFFICE
1. Martha Vennes, Chemical Health Commission
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QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL THE RAZZLE LINE - 939-1421
(The Razzle Line is the City of Hopkins voice message system)
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VI. PUBLIC HEARING
. 1. Approve Community Law Enforcement Block Grant for 2000 (CR2000-167), Reid
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
VII. NEW BUSINES
1. Order traffic study, 17th Ave pedestrian crossing (CR2000-181), Stadler
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
2. Variance, garage at 1409 Cambridge (CR2000-182), Anderson
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
3. Three Cities Transit Restructuring plan (CR2000-179), Anderson
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
. 4. Final Plat, SemperlWalgreen's development (CR2000-174), Anderson
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
5. CUP agreement, SemperlWalgreen's development (CR2000-172), Anderson
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
6. CUP agreement Hopkins House development (CR2000-173), Anderson
Vote: Brausen Jensen Hesch Johnson Maxwell
VI. ADJOURNMENT
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QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL THE RAZZLE LINE - 939-1421
(The Razzle Line is the City of Hopkins voice message system)
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. A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on October 17, 2000,
in the Council Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Brausen, Jensen, Hesch,
and Johnson. Also, present were staff members Mielke, Genellie, Stadler,
Kerrigan, Elverum, and City Attorney Jeremy Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none
III. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
Herb Gibbs, co-chair, Human Rights Commission said that the Commission
had a booth at the St. Joseph Fall Festival, is getting ready for the second
Annual Human Rights Award and the second Annual Human Rights Essay
. Contest. They are also talking about a Heritage Festival next year.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1 . Minutes of October 3, 2000 Regular City Council Meeting
2. Fire Relief Association Pension Increase {CR2000-169}
3. Appointments to the Human Rights Commission and Chemical
Health Commission (Memo)
4. License Agreement Hennepin County Digitized Data (CR2000-
168)
5. Resolution to Participate in Livable Communities Program {CR2000-
176}
6. Second Reading of Ordinance 2000-848, Food/Food Establishment
Code {Memo}
7. Appointment of Data Compliance Official (CR2000-170)
8. Authorize Final Payment, 3rd St N Sewer Reconstruction (CR2000-
175)
Terry Obermaier said that for item six, the ordinance number is 2000-848.
Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a
. motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. A poll of the vote was
October 17, 2000 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
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as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; .
Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell,
aye. The motion carried unanimously.
V. PRESENT A TION
1 . Hopkins Community Image Awards (Memo)
Kersten Elverum said that there were five nominations for the 2000 Hopkins
Community Image Awards. Hopkins Community Image Awards recognize
individuals and businesses that have made an exterior improvement to a
Hopkins property or who have demonstrated continued superior maintenance
of their home or business. The committee recommended four properties for
the awards.
Single-family Residential: LaVerne Paul, 129 Harrison Ave S
Multi-family Residential: Thomas I(ingsley, 720/722 Robinwood La
Commercial: Hopkins Jaycees, 6 - 6th Ave S
Community Mural Project - Boston Garden Restaurant, 1023
iVla instreet
The winners came forward to receive their plaques. .
\/. NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Maxwell said that items one, Approve CUP Agreement,
VValgreen's/Semper Development; two, Approve CUP Agreement, Hopkins
House; and three, Final Plat, Semper Development, are continued to a future
meeting.
Council Member Hesch asked how long the items could be continued. City
Anorney, Jeremy Steiner said that the items could be continued indefinitely at
the request of the applicants. Council Member Hesch then asked who
requested the continuation. Mr. Kerrigan answered that the request was from
VValgreen's/Semper Development and the Hopkins House.
Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a
motion to continue items one through three to a future date. A poll of the
vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen,
aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor
Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
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October 17. 2000 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
. 4. Second Reading of Ordinance 2000-847, Administrative Citation
Process (Memo)
Jim Genellie said that the ordinance has been modified since the first reading
and explained the new language setting a time limit to schedule a hearing
after the citation has been issued. Council Member Jensen asked if the
ordinance has anything to do with the recreational vehicle ordinance. Mr.
Genellie said that it did not, however this ordinance would give the City a way
to enforce those ordinances.
Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a
motion to approve Ordinance 2000-847 for second reading, approve the
summary of Ordinance 2000-847 and order the summary published. A poll of
the vote was as follows: Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member
Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye;
Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
5. Revision to 2001-2005 CIP Citywide Concrete Alleys (CR20QQ-171 )
Steve Stadler said that staff has reviewed the Citywide Concrete Alleys
. program in the 2000-2005 CIP and feels that there should be a revision in
priorities. Because of potential redevelopment that may occur west of Shady
Oak Rd and planned reconstruction of Shady Oak Rd, it does not seem
feasible to consider the reconstruction of the alley between Shady Oak Rd and
the City limits to the west. A more pressing need to consider is the alley in
the 300 block between 19th Ave N and Hilltop Park. All affected
neighborhoods will be notified.
Council Member Johnson moved and Council Member Brausen seconded a
motion to approve a revision in the 2001 -2005 CIP allowing staff to delete
the alley between Shady Oak Rd and City limits, north of Bradford Rd, from
consideration in the Citywide Concrete Alleys program for 2001 and to
replace it with the alley west of 19th Ave N, north of 3rd St N, currently under
consideration for the year 2002. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council
Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch,
aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
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October 17, 2000 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
There being no further business, Council Member Jensen moved and Council .
Member Johnson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting
was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:00 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST: .
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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October 17, 2000 Regular City Councill\lIeeting Minutes Pa<Je 4
. MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 17, 2000
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on October 17, 2000, at the
City Hall. Present were Mayor Maxwell, Council members Rick Brausen, Fran Hesch, Karen
Jensen, and Diane Johnson. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke and Public Works
Director Steve Stadler.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Maxwell at 8:04 p.rn.
Sump Pump Inspection Program Update and Change Order, Steve Stadler, presenter
Mr. Stadler reviewed the status of the sump pump inspection program, indicating the findings of
the program, as well as cost overrun. The primary reason for the change order is the
underestimation of the number of units to be inspected, as well as the contractor taking longer
than called for in the contract. Mr. Stadler stated that there are follow-up steps that still need to
be done. The Council indicated the desire to see the promotional video and asked that education
materials be developed, which could be sent to sump pump property owners and in new resident
packets. They also asked that the city consider changes to the Truth-In-Housing ordinance to
require remediation of sump pump violations.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, to approve
. the change order as presented. The motion was approved on a vote of 4-1, Commissioner Hesch
dissenting.
Update on SUPERV ALU North Annex property, Steve Mielke, presenter
Mr. Mielke reviewed with the Council the dialogue that was held with SUPERV ALU, a potential
developer of the site, and the city. The developer, wishing to remain anonymous, would develop
between 300,00 and 450,000 square feet of office use in a business park setting. Staff stated that
none of the financial issues had yet been discussed, but the land use appeared consistent with
Council direction.
Discussion of the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum
Several Council members indicated that they had watched the League of Women Voters
Candidates Forum, but had to stop listening due to bad audio reception. They asked that staff
look into the issue.
Update on the Council work session of October 24
Karen Jensen indicated that she would not be in attendance.
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MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - 10/17/00 - Page 2 .
There being no other business, a motion was made by Commissioner Hesch, seconded by
Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
Steven C. Mielke, City Manager, recorder
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor .
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MINUTES
. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 24, 2000
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on October 24, 2000, at
the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen,
Hesch and Johnson. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke, Finance Director Yager,
Facilities Manager Strachota, Pavilion Manager Olson, Police Chief Reid, James Liddy, David
Klocek, and George Magdal
Facilities Division Advertising and Naming Rights, Jay Strachota, presenter
Competition for the Pavilion is increasing as more arenas have facilities for soccer, the
activity that has kept the Pavilion going. Further money must be generated for it to keep competitive.
Don Olson presented some income-producing ideas: advertising at the Overpass Skate Park and
Pavilion, and the selling of naming rights to the theatre, rooms in the Center, the Skate Park, and
Pavilion. Advertising would include an outdoors electronic sign on Excelsior Blvd. and signs on
surfaces at the Pavilion and Skate Park. He noted the Jaycees had donated the costs of the Skate
Park and their approval would be needed for naming it. He projects up to $250,000 for the theatre
naming over 10 years. Feneis, a St. Cloud firm, would be in charge of the electronic sign; there
would be a $200 per month maintenance fee and they would receive the income for the regular
signage on the board for 15 years; Hopkins would receive the income from the electronic portion.
Ms. Johnson said she was upset about the idea of naming the Skate Park as the Jaycees had
given it to the city, besides donating heavily to the Pavilion and Art Center; Mr. Brausen and Ms.
Hesch had similar concerns. Mr. Olson said he was only presenting a concept, not getting ready to
. initiate a process, and naming the theatre had been suggested before. Mayor Maxwell asked about
current advertising spaces; Mr. Olson said 7 out of 8 were sold, but it is very difficult for him to do
the work necessary. Ms. Johnson suggested the HBCA be approached to see if they would support
the electronic sign by advertising on it; later she commented room names at the Activity Center
could be popular. Ms. Hesch suggested that Zoning & Planning be consulted, even though the
indoor signage would not be their field.
General Consensus: The need for an advertising/signage policy was agreed upon. All
agreed that advertising, per se, is now a viable option, provided it is done tastefully. Mayor Maxwell
emphasized Nancy Anderson must be conferred with as to variances, etc. Jay Strachota and DOll
Olson should check further on suppliers, possible advertisers, etc.
2001 Budget Discussions
Ms. Yager said that when she added proposed budgets from the departments, there was a
$300,000 overage if Hopkins would maintain the 6% levy proposed. After working with heads of
departments, there is now $4,000 left in the budget. Most of the changes from last year in budget
amounts are due to reallocation of work-hours, etc. because last year was the first year for the new
program-based budget. As always, salaries and benefits account for 75 % of the budget costs.
Ms. Hesch asked if medical benefits accounted for most of the increased costs. Ms. Yager
will check and report back. Mr. Mielke noted all departments have frozen or reduced their supplies
budgets. Rising fuel costs may present a problem. There will not be any new programs. New
revenues will be difficult to find; the state has basically frozen its level of help. In answer to Mayor
. Maxwell's question, Ms. Yager said money from the cable franchise does not go to the general fund.
Police Dept.
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ChIef Reid noted that domestics are taking more and more resources-even he has gone on
some calls as language difficulties require more policemen to keep parties separated. He is three e
()fficers short. Shift changes and organizational changes are helping somewhat.
He presented a possible project for revenue in which Hopkins Police Dept. would maintain a
Central Alarm Response Station. He feels that his department could charge less than the commercial
centers, and at the same time give better service as there would not be the present time lag. He
thmks the Jepartment could produce its own software and keep start-up costs to anout $14,000,
which would be recouped in 2 years. If the Council approves, he thinks he could get the program
started within the first quarter of 2001. He also discussed pawn shops, which cost more than they
bring in. The new program should help this also.
General Consensus: Chief Reid should pursue his idea. He will come back in Decemher
with more data. Ms. Yager noted that start -up costs could possibly come from another fund and be
paid back over the 2 years.
[ire Depanment
Mr. Beckering noted they met Ms. Yager's budget cuts by putting off equipment purchases
and education programs. Mr. Magdal describet! the smoke alarm program, which will be totally
financed by grant money. They hope to install 1000 alarms. Mr. Beckering noted a Dew pumper is
needed, but a standard model will save some of the cost. Mayor Maxwell asked about the repeaters;
they are still a problem. The various departments are discussing ways to "trade" frequencies over
the next few years. The consultant says the $25,000 allocated will keep the system going short-term.
The Hopkins House demolition wiIi cause problems as it is a tower site. Personnel is dOWIl by 8.
The department is looking into using people who work, but don't live, in Hopkins for daytime staff. .
General Consensus: The Police and Fire Department should consult with Stacy Horwitz for
possible grant money for radio systems.
CounCli
Discussion centered on the $7000 for the open house. It was also noted that money for the
visioning process had come from the contingency fund.
General Consensus: The open house should be dropped. Money should be allocated for the
Citizens' Academy Jl1stead.
Adnlll11stratIon
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City Manager Mielke noted he met budget by cutting a half-person. The Council/Staff
Retreat is scheduled. for January. Utility fraI1l~hisc fees are estimated to be possible income of
$200,000 at .5 %, based on NSP figures. The pay study continues and should be implementeu in
2002. Web SIte advertising was discussed. He plans to keep the Wellness program as it is so
popular with employees.
General Consensus: The Weh site needs to be kept current, banner advertising should be
looked into. The possibility of charging some of Eddie's time to the cable franchise for Web site
work should be checked.
Finance
Ms. Yager sait! the llew software is up and running, but still presenting problems. 20-year .
cash flow projections are done for all funds. She may still apply for the Budget award of the
Government Finance Officers Association. TIF reports are charged back to the developers.
Personne I have been trained to cover each other's jobs.
General Consensus: Ms. Yager should prepare information on a 3 % /6 % levy increase per
. household chart to help the Council judge the budget.
Other Issues:
Hennepin Co. Prevention Forum at the Depot Coffee House
Ms. Hesch said the police helping with traffic was a good example of interdepartment
cooperation. She heard many positive comments as "has to be a unique thing in the nation" re the
Depot, and felt Anthony and Kathleen did a very good job.
Employee Appreciation Luncheon
Council members expressed displeasure at the meal and suggested changing caterers.
Citizens' Academy
Mayor Maxwell said seeing the teamwork and spirit of the staff makes him feel "really
good." Mr. Mielke noted the staff had been really worried about the concept - and love it now.
North Annex
Mr. Mielke asked for feedback on what the Council wants to be stressed with the possible
developer. Ms. Johnson said traffic patterns. All are to bring suggestions to the next meeting.
Ms. Hesch moved adjournment; Ms. Johnson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:59 p.m.
. Kasey Kester, Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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. MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 30, 2000
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on October 30,
2000, at the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members
Brausen, Hesch and Jensen. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke, Finance
Director Yager, Activity Center supervisor Newville, Facilities Manager Strachota, Recreation
director Johnson, City. Clerk Obermaier, Assessor Bob Wilson, Building Inspector Rick
Davidson; Public Works Director Stadler, and Community Development Director Kerrigan.
2001 Budget Discussions
This was a continuation from the last work session.
Activity Center
Ms. Yager noted that the large increase in revenues for the Senior Activities was not an
actual monetary increase but due to recording gross income and then deducting expenses,
rather than using only the net income figure as before. Ms. Newville noted that since
requiring Hopkins area ID's, problems at the Teen programs on Friday nights have dropped;
the program is funded with a $1500 school grant. Answering various questions by Council
members, she noted: Teen program budget figures for 2000 had $4401 projected actual and
budget of $10,415 due largely to this was the first year they had tried to divide the budget by
groups; the federally-funded lunch program attendance is decreasing steadily; Historical Site
. funding is out of the Activity Center; Senior Center budget pays 90% of the 3 staff salaries,
the computer lab, the Bransen trip; a possible revenue-bringer would be bingo (one Iowa
center gets $250,OOO/year).
There was general discussion of two questions. Is it fair to expect some programs to be
self-supporting when the Senior Activities costs so much (Ms. Hesch noted that if the Depot
cost taxpayers that much, there would be an outcry); Is there any way to help "police" the
teen activity night as police staff are not available?
Community Services
City Clerk Obermaier commented on the improved record storage and the new
Hennepin County voting system. 2001 budget calls for a decrease by 12 %. Storage for some
long-term records has had to be moved off-site to All-Data. She explained that election budget
always varies greatly from year to year, depending if it is an "even" year when more
candidates are voted on or the "odd" year when elections are light. When school elections are
concurrent with regular elections, costs are charge-backed to the district based on inches used
on the ballot; she is not involved with special school elections.
City Assessor Wilson noted 25 % of properties are physically inspected; some may be
only exterior inspections if the preliminary letter is not responded to. There has been a steady
increase in the number done over the past years. Traffic at the counter is not tracked as most
client contact is by phone, but he estimated 15-20 per day come in person.
City Inspector Davidson said contractor licensing is done by the state; if they come to
e the city they need proof of workmen's compensation and insurance. He noted inspections
budget is offset 82% by revenues from permits, licenses, etc. Answering Mayor Maxwell, he
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saId he (hmks the new citation process will help with the nuisance problems. H is department .
will be doing some fire inspections. City Manager Mielke will keep the Council updated as this
goes into effect.
Recreation
Mr. Johnson noted Hopkins pays 1/3 of the Joint Recreation costs, or $120,725. The
playground program greatly increased this year, from $13,000 to $34,000, and from 1822 to
3859 children; cost per child went down from $10.45 to $7.96. Skating rink costs will be
decreased by having fewer personnel who will do 2 parks each; he feels actual quality will go
up as wages can go up for those hired while still cutting costs. He noted Central Park comes
under Public Works and is not in his budget. However, the Shady Oak payment increase is
rd1ected in his budget; actual costs will be down. The liquor license program was utilized
primarily by softball teams, only one conununity group applied. Some unlicensed consumption
is still done in Valley Park, but is done discreetly; there have been no major confrontations
with police.
Mr. Mielke noted that $25,000 could be taken from the Park Dedication fund for the
Shally Oak payment, which is $50,000 this year. Steve Stadler noted maintenance at Shady
Oak was $27,000, partly due to water system problems, but the system is under warramy.
Public Works
Mr. Stadler said since the new facility division was created his department nmv has 49
employees. Personnel accounts for 61 % of his budget, utility 8 %, equipment 6.5 %, materials .
23%. Materials will he down 7 % .
Mr. Stadler will get figures for the contract week-end personnel for the municipal
building. He will check on the supplier, amounts, etc. for fuel as well as the size of the tank.
$50,000 uf the $163,100 for engineering is charged to PIR funds. The lAW pavement
program is helpmg extend pavement life; street patching is staying ahead of the seal coat
contract area. He felt not doing sldewalks tor l)ne year could raise liability issues. Mayor
Maxwell notell he had received positive comments about the current sidewalk contractor.
Answering Ms. Jensen, Steve Stadler said when traffic lights go out on state/county roalls his
uepartmcnt helps only by setting up signs, etc. Hopkins owns 50 % of street lights: NSP the
rest. Answering Mr. Brausen he said he budgets for the "normal" year; severe winters might
require extra funding from the contingency fund. His personnel work 8 hour days but might
be mght hours if storms require it; this prevents over-time but becomes a negotiations Issue al
Hines. Mr. Brausen suggested that this sliding schedule be pomted out at Citizens' Academy.
Planning & Conmmnity Develo)1ment
Mr. Kerrigan noted the Comprehensive Plan has been submitted to Met Council, even
though one component is still being worked on by Public Works. No feed-back has been
received yet. He gave examples of activities for some budget categories: "miscellaneous
planning" includes housing moratorium, single-family housing removal issue; "community
development" includes Conditional Use parameters, Excelsior Blvd. upgrade. He noted the
ordinance to regulate vehicle parking and accessory buildings will be time-consuming in 2001 .
to get compliance. Nancy Anderson tracked 2000 telephone calls on zoning issues in 2000.
[
. Mr. Brausen commented this presentation should be given to the Zoning & Planning
Conunission as part of their training; Mayor Maxwell agreed.
At the next work session more detail will be brought on the enterprise and special funds
and possible further cuts with probable consequences will be presented. Budget is set for
adoption on November 19. Fran Hesch noted that there is $100,000 in the Park Dedication
fund; using it for the $50,000 Shady Oak payment would leave that amount in the general
fund; she also asked if the 1 % for the arts could be in place when Allina comes in? Mr.
Mielke will shedule these issues for further discussion.
North Annex Redevelopment
Mr. Mielke said city staff needs to know what the Council feels is most important as
negotiations are entered into with AlIina/Medica. The previous feeling had been to have a
business park; this would meet that parameter. Size is still a question, varying from 300-
450,000 sq. ft.; if the latter, there would probably be another building. Mr. Kerrigan noted
the February closing seemed very early; staff and Allen feel August is more realistic. Later
Mr. Mielke noted this deadline may reflect the Council's desire to have something settled by
then; Mr. Kerrigan added it may reflect a need for money to finish developing the south side.
Discussion followed on Ms. Johnson's e-mail saying she felt neighborhood integrity,
traffic patterns, purchase of corner properties and a tunnel to the trail system were pnorities.
All agreed neighborhood integrity is vital and that traffic will be an issue. As to the properties,
. the big questions is cost, which Mr. Kerrigan estimates at $2 million with willing sellers. He
further noted the surrounding properties has been a drawback in selling this acreage. Mayor
Maxwell commented that Hopkins should not buy them, but rather let Allina decide if they
want to buy them to better their surroundings. Mr. Mielke said Allina seems to favor green
space, and had noted employees would want a way to the Depot. A 11 agreed a pedestrian
walkway, either over or under Excelsior Blvd., will be necessary. Ms. Hesch suggested
maybe Hopkins could do the tunnel if AlIina bought the neighboring properties. Mr. Kerrigan
noted that to keep green space, parking ramps may be needed; how important is green space
versus having to help finance parking ramps? General consensus was green space was more
important. Mr. Kerrigan said staff has estimated the project at $7-11 million in public
financial assistance, which works out to 13-16 years of TIF (life of district is 25 years).
Demolition of the old Annex would be about $2 million, which would not be Allina's cost as
they pay for bare land. Ms. Hesch noted the closeness to their old site would be a bonus for
all their employees; but Mr. Mielke also noted they have existing leases and don't want to
build until 2002. Mr. Kerrigan added dealing with the railroad might take those two years.
Staff will keep the Council up to date; Mr. Kerrigan hopes to have something to present
within 30 days. Ms. Jensen suggested the Parks be notified also as this may affect the trail.
Mr. Mielke will also notify Zoning & Planning.
Other
Hopkins House
A financial issue has arisen. They are engaged in further negotiations.
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Internet Mystery .
Mr. Mielke said Bobbie would like to get sponsors for bmmer advertising on the pages.
Answering Mayor Maxwell, he said there will be a cost for the writing of the mystery. Ms.
Jensen said she felt local writers should have been used. General consensus was that banner
ads SImply saying "sponsored by _" would he okay; but Council felt this was too important
to aJdress sununarily so that further discussion is needed on who would be allowed to sponsor
pages and a general policy for web page sponsorship should be looked into.
Ms. Hesch moved adjournment; Ms. Jensen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10: 10
p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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ATTEST:
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Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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