IV.6. Resolution Amending Legislative Policy Manual; Domeier
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2025-004
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Amy Domeier, City Clerk
Date: January 7, 2025
Subject: Resolution Amending Legislative Policy Manual
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO adopt Resolution 2025-001 Amending the Legislative Policy Manual.
OVERVIEW
The Legislative Policy Manual provides uniform guidelines on City policies so that
actions that are taken are consistent and fair. The staff has reviewed Chapters 2 and is
requesting the City Council to consider changes to the polic y to reflect the changes in
the City Council meeting schedule.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Resolution 2025-001
• Legislative Policy Manual proposed changes
Administration
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2025-001
RESOLUTION AMENDING LEGISLATIVE POLICY MANUAL
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Hopkins has approved a document entitled
the Legislative Policy Manual to provide uniform guidelines on City policies so that
actions taken are consistent and fair; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Hopkins has determined the existing policy
manual needs to be amended to include various changes related to City Council
meetings.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Hopkins
hereby adopts the revisions to the Legislative Policy Manual Chapter 2 .
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins this 7th day of January, 2025.
By: __________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 2-C 1
POLICY 2-C
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
1. PURPOSE
1.01 The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for setting the schedule, agenda
management, public comment and staff attendance at City Council meetings.
1.02 The policy encourages public engagement during the decision-making processes and
provides a framework for avoiding significant days of religious observance that may
preclude participation. The City acknowledges that it is not possible to recognize all days
of religious observance without significantly impacting the City's ability to conduct
business or restricting participation by holding multiple public meetings at the same time.
2. SETTING MEETING SCHEDULES
2.01 City Council regular meetings are scheduled monthly for the first, second and third
Tuesday.
2.02 Prior to the start of a new year, the City Clerk will develop a calendar and identify any
conflicts with regularly–scheduled meetings. Conflicts may include elections, state
recognized holidays, religious and cultural observances, conferences or lack of quorum.
2.03 In addition to holidays on which the city offices are closed, City Council and
board/commission meetings will not be scheduled on the following days of religious and
cultural observance that include significant work restrictions:
• Good Friday (Christian)
• Christmas Eve (Christian)
• Evening before and day of Yom Kippur (Jewish)
• Evening before and two days of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
• Evening before and first two days of Passover (Jewish)
• Eid al Fitr (Muslim)
• Eid al Adha (Muslim)
• The third day of Diwali (Hindu)
• Juneteenth (June 19)
• Indigenous People’s Day
2.05 When a scheduling conflict exists, the City Clerk will identify an alternative date. The City
Council and Boards/Commissions will review meeting date changes prior to publishing the
calendar.
2.06 Special meetings called for emergency purposes would be exempt from these restrictions.
City staff and committee /working group chairs are also encouraged to avoid scheduling
public meetings or other forums on these dates.
Legislative Policy Manual -- Chapter 2-C 2
3. AGENDA MANAGEMENT
3.01 The City Council agenda is assembled by the City Manager's office.
3.02 Council Agendas are distributed to the City Council on the Thursday prior to each Council
meeting and posted on the City’s website for public review.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
4.01 The City Council offers members of the public the opportunity to comment on items of
public interest. This portion of the agenda is for issues that are not included on an agenda
or are not in the application process at City Hall.
4.02 No Council action should be expected during Public Comments, as the Council needs to
thoroughly study all proposals or requests not of a routine nature.
4.02 To make public comment before the City Council the request should be made on the form
provided in the Council Chambers. The form requires a brief summary of the issue or
topic to be addressed.
4.03 Individuals have three minutes to speak and are asked to provide their name and address
for the official record.
4.04 Comments that are abusive, vulgar, offensive, racist, threatening or harassing, personal
attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups will not be
tolerated.
5. STAFF ATTENDANCE AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
5.01 Generally, it is not necessary for division and department directors to attend City Council
meetings unless an item appears on the agenda which may require specific, detailed
explanation from a departmental representative or unless requested to attend by the City
Manager. When attending a Council meeting, the division or department director should
look to the City Manager for guidance as to when to respond to questions or to volunteer
information. The City Manager always has the option of "fielding" any question from a
member of the City Council.
5.02 No employee shall bring any official business before the City Council without the express
permission of their department director. No department director shall grant this permission
or discuss a problem themselves with the City Council without the City Manager's
approval. Unanticipated items or emergency matters must also be discussed with the City
Manager before presentation or discussion with the City Council.
Established 8/18/87
Revised 10/19/2022
Revised 2025
City of Hopkins