IV.1. Minutes of January 10, 2025, Goal Setting ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025
ATTENDANCE
Present for the Hopkins City Council and Staff Retreat 202 5 were the following: Mayor
Hanlon, Council Members Garrido, Goodlund, Hunke and Kuznia, City Manager Mornson,
Assistant City Manager Casella, Finance Director Bishop, Director of Public Works Autio,
Police Chief Johnson, Fire Chief Specken, City Planner Krzos, Recreation Director
O’Dea, City Clerk Domeier and Chad Weinstein with Ethical Leaders in Action, LLC.
Welcome
Mayor Hanlon welcomed the team to the retreat. City Manager Mornson provided
information on the proposed agenda.
The Menagerie
Facilitator Chad Weinstein directed all attendees through a creative thinking exercise that
got participants reflecting on the city and its many strengths.
City Manager Update
City Manager Mornson presented achievements of the past year, including progress on
strategic priorities. The City Council recognized all the work done in 2024 and gave a
kudos to staff. Staff will update the strategic priorities and provide the new strategic plan
to City Council in February.
Development Update and Discussion
City Planner Krzos provided an overview of Hopkins’ current development opportunities
and anticipated trends in 2025. Understanding what development projects and activities
are on the horizon may assist the Council’s consensus on goals for 2025. Discussion
included a local preservation ordinance for the Historic Mainstreet, updating the City
Council more on grants received for projects, transient orientated development with LRT,
finding public gather spaces, non-food entertainment options, and having human centric
development.
Crisis Communication with Paul Omodt
Paul Omodt with Omodt and Associates shared processes and roles for communication
in crisis. The training provided context that crisis communication incorporates culture and
training. We make strategic choices on the narrative, the City’s brand, and story told. The
hope is to control the message up front, rather than the tail. Everyone should disc uss and
know their role. Control is important when interviewing with the media. Casey closed that
crisis communication is a priority for this year. Staff will train and start a plan.
Discussion: Public Safety Service Utilization
Police Chief Johnson and Fire Chief Specken lead a brief discussion about trends in
utilization of public safety services and implications for development and budgeting. The
discussion led to investigating or developing a model for public safety investments,
potentially requiring new developments to include public safety items like security
cameras and door locking requirements and future conversations with building owner s
regarding calls for service.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025
Discussion: Council Logistics
Discussion of how council meetings are functioning, what is working, and what could be
improved in council-staff cooperation. The consensus was the City Council meetings are
organized and functioning well. In addition, the City Council and staff relationship are
positive, with mutual respect and understanding.
Discussion: Goals and Hopes for the Year
Using the current strategic priorities, discussion was held on what City Council like to see
this year.
Business Development Support/Promote Hopkins
Continue to be supportive of businesses and development including options for the
Historic Business District (code options and façade grants), potentially expand façade
grants to South Hopkins, influence a mix of businesses, making it human centric and
continue to promote ThinkHopkins.
Sustainability
Continue the sustainability work, programs and community outreach including the Climate
Action Plan, Sustainability Task Force, sustainable business policies, dog park and LRT
last mile initiatives.
True Inclusion/Equity
Continue to serve our diverse community, through community outreach, workforce
development, ACE, DEI, ESAP, community connectors, and park planning and consider
grants for small special events and celebrations of community.
Affordability
Continue to include affordable housing and business opportunities, contain and curb
spending, find creative revenue streams, preserve NOAH, and research LAHA spending
options.
Public Safety
Continue to build and expand the core services, needs, true investment of resources with
community forward approach, focus on staffing and equipment. Secure our water system
and sanitary sewer system. Research building safety options requirements and inspection
fees.
Closing Exercise
In the closing exercise, participants took the opportunity to reflect and summarize their
key takeaways from the information shared.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk