10-14-2008WSOctober 14, 2008
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm.
Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Halverson, Brausen, Youakim and Rowan. City personnel
present were City Manager Rick Getschow, Finance Director Christine Harkess and Public Works Director
Steve Stadler.
Central Park Ball Field Improvement Project:
Public Worlcs Director Steve Stadler updated the Council on the feasibility of improving the northernmost ball
field at Central Park to accommodate adult softball league play. With this improvement the Recreation staff
would be able to move the co-rec adult softball league play to Central Parlc, thereby allowing Maetzold Field to
be entirely devoted to youth baseball. Staff investigated the layout, design and costs of upgrading the field.
Staff also met with the Hopkins Area Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball to discuss the benefits of the
City partnering with them to accomplish the project.
There was a great deal of discussion on this. The general consensus was that the cost is very high. Mayor
Maxwell reminded the council that this could be over a five year span. Council Member Youakim asked if we
couldn't use other organizations to help. There was discussion on doing the improvement to the fields in stages.
Steve will look at tightening up the cost. He will have more discussion with Minnetonka/Hopkins Recreation
and the other groups. It is the general consensus that this is a good project and we need to improve both Central
Parlc and Maetzold Field. Further discussion is needed on the costs, participation from other groups, and the
time line in which this can be done.
2009 Budget Enterprise & Special Revenue Funds):
Finance Director Harkess provided the Council with a summary of the 2009 budget for the Special Revenue and
Enterprise Funds. Also included are the detailed summary of the budgets for the following: Economic
Development, Paratransit, Housing Rehab, Parking and Cable TV. The Enterprise fund budgets are shown in
comparison with the 2008 budgets.
Paratransit:
Council discussed the Hop-A-Ride program. It is a well received program with some of lowest fares and city
subsidies than other area ride programs. Even though it is a few years out, the County and the Met Council may
be looking at a county-wide program to replace these ride programs. Council and staff will monitor that
potential development.
Housing Rehab:
Under Housing Rehabilitation, Mayor Maxwell asked Ms. Harkess to give a breakdown on the number of rehab
loans and their cost so that the Council will have a better understanding of the program.
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Internal Service Fund: Equipment Replacement -rates charged for use of equipment were not increased.
Water fund changes reflect the implementation of the new utility master plan. Rate increase per UMP is
proposed to rise from $1.66 to $1.86 for 2009.
Storm Sewer Rate increase of $0.50 from $4.50 to $5.00 per UMP. Last increase was in 2005.
Refuse -Recycling fee will be increased from $3.25 per month to $3.50 per month. Disposal department
continues to subsidize other refuse divisions.
Council Member Rick Brausen stated that he thinks it is a really good idea to have $10.00 per vehicle bulls drop-
off fee in 2009. Everyone agreed. The recycling contract is up in 2009. City Manager Getschow stated that
organic recycling is done at the Depot through a grant. Louise Miller is the part-time employee at the Depot and
she would like to work with City Hall and other city facilities on a project. Steve Stadler stated that he will
check to see how it is going in Minnetonka and Wayzata.
Council requested a report illustrating the difference in all utility fees from 2008 to 2009. Harkess will provide
that before the Council approves the fees.
Pavilion: $3,000 for an ice edger is budgeted in this fund for replacement. Harkess answered Council
questions regarding the School District and other loans in this fund. Steve Stadler stated that the plan to have
two part-time employees at the Pavilion did not work out.
Parking Permit Fee Increase: Mayor Maxwell stated that he is comfortable with the increase on monthly,
quarterly and annual permit fees; however, he is not comfortable with the daily parking fee increase from $3.00
to $4.00. Mayor Maxwell stated that he would like to know how many daily passes are handed out. The
Council was in agreement with this. Steve Stadler stated that there are two electric car permits for two stalls
that have 120 volts at a rate of $100.00 annually. City Manager Getschow stated that this is something we can
share with the public about our city going green. Council Member Rowan asked if there can be additional stalls
set up for electric cars. Steve Stadler stated that they just have to go in and do the electrical work.
Other:
Mayor Maxwell requested information about where the project is at on Minnetonka Mills. Steve Stadler
responded that the storm sewer, sidewalk, curb and paving should all be done by next week.
Mayor Maxwell inquired about what is being done at Zion Lutheran Church. Steve responded that
nothing is being done at this time. Steve is waiting for proposal that will go into a future plan.
Council Member Bruce Rowan inquired about the disappearance of the recycling bins on Mainstreet.
Steve stated that people were putting garbage into the recycling bin. Bruce suggested putting out
garbage bins and recycle bins next to each other on Mainstreet. After some discussion it is determined
that both bins will be placed on Mainstreet.
• Council Member Youalcim asked if the clock tower is fixed yet. Steve stated that it should be up and
running in a couple of weeks.
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City Manager Rick Getschow brought a brochure about the "Buy a Brick" program You can have your
name or company name put on the brick. It would then be placed in the Clock Tower Plaza.
Mayor Maxwell suggested that we extend our bench program from Downtown Park to neighborhood
parks. Steve Stadler stated that he will bring that up at the next Park Board meeting.
• Mayor Maxell inquired about the progress of the project of the sidewalk extension west of 5th on Mills.
Steve Stadler said that this project will be done this week.
• Council Member Youakim asked if any of the council members were going to the Hopkins/Minnetonka
Family Resource Chocolate/Wine event.
• Council Member Brausen stated that the Fire Department "Open House" was a success. He stated that
everyone did a really good j ob.
• City Manager Getschow stated that there was a fire at 619 Robinwood Lane (Brentwood Apartments) on
October 13th at 21:34 hours. One male was transported to HCMC. The fire is still under investigation.
• City Manager Getschow reminded the Council that there will be an Employee Lunch on October 22"d at
the Center for the Arts, Jaycees's Studio from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 pm.
City Manager Getschow reminded the Council that the Citizens Academy Alumni Event will take place
on October 30th, 2008.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Mayor Maxwell, seconded by Youakim to adjourn the
meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Debbie Sperling, Secretary
ATTEST:
Eugene J. M we ayor
CITY COUNCIL c_