Agenda
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
FINAL AGENDA
November 3, 1999
7:30 p.m.
THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
UNTIL THE 5T ART OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Schedule: 7:15 pm - HRA Meeting
7:30 pm - City Council meeting
Work session at conclusion of City Council meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS
(Public must fill out a Speaker Request Form. Three minute limit for each person)
III. CANVASS ELECTION RESULTS
Vote: Maxwell
Jensen
Hesch
Johnson
Redepenning
IV. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
1. Zoning and Planning Commission
V. CONSENT AGENDA
1. October 19, 1999 regular City Council meeting minutes
2. October 19, 1999 work session meeting minutes
3. October 26, 1999 work session meeting minutes
4. Ratification of prior month's disbursements
5. Approve engineering services agreement, sanitary sewer rehab project, Third
Street North, (CR99-201) - Stadler
6. Approve wine and strong beer license, Cafe Michelangelo, (CR99-200)-
Obermaier
Vote: Maxwell
Jensen
Hesch
Johnson
Redepenning
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Variance, setback at 133 Ashley Road, (CR99-198) - Kerrigan
Vote: Maxwell
Jensen
Hesch
Johnson
Redepenning
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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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2. Approve zoning ordinance neighborhood meeting policy, (CR99-199) - Kerrigan
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
3. Operations agreement, railroad switch addition in Hopkins, (CR99-202) - Mielke
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
IX. ADJOURNMENT
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A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on October 19, 1999, in the
Council Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Mayor Redepenning and Council Members Maxwell, Jensen, Hesch, and
Johnson. Also present were staff members Mielke, Genellie, Kerrigan, and City
Attorney Jerre Miller.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Redepenning called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none.
III. CONSENT AGENDA
1. October 5, 1 999, City Council Meeting Minutes
2. October 12, 1999, Work Session Meeting Minutes
Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to
approve the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Maxwell, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council
Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Redepenning, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Submission of Contamination Cleanup grants from Met Council and
DTED for Hopkins Business Center (CR99-1 96)
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Jim Kerrigan said that on April 6, 1999, the Council authorized staff to submit
applications for the Contamination Cleanup Grant from the Department of Trade and
Economic Development and Tax Base Revitalization Account from the Metropolitan
Council. The project received funds. It is now estimated that the cost will exceed
funds received. Mr. Kerrigan said that applications for additional funds needs to be
submitted by November 1, 1999. The developer is doing the research necessary to
determine if more funds will be needed. If additional funds are not needed, the
application will not be submitted.
Bill Beard of The Beard Group appeared as the representative of the developer. Mr.
Beard said that the additional cost was the result of finding more pollution than
expected, namely asbestos.
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October 19, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 1
Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
adopt Resolution 99-101 . Authorizing submission of applications for a Contamination
Cleanup Grant from the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development
and a Tax Base Revitalization Account from the Metropolitan Council, subject to staff
conditions as detailed in Council Report 99-196. A poll of the vote was as follows:
Council Member Maxwell, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch,
aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Redepenning, aye. The motion carried
unanimously.
2. Approve Massage Therapy Ordinance (CR99-195)
Terry Obermaier said that the ordinance was developed because the State has not
regulated Message Therapy. Ms. Obermaier said that the industry is in favor of
regulation.
Council discussed the zoning areas where massage therapy would be allowed, parking
issues, and massage therapists that are mobile.
Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to
adopt Ordinance 99-831, Regulation of Massage Therapy for first reading and
directed staff to review the ordinance in regard to the following: 1) ability to conduct
massage therapy in all zoning districts; 2) possible parking issues; 3) the possibility of
limiting the number of licenses per household; 4) licenses for therapists that are
mobile; and if massage therapy can be allowed in multiple dwellings. A poll of the
vote was as follows: Council Member Maxwell, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye;
Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Redepenning,
aye. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Renew Currency Exchange License for Pawn America
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Terry Obermaier said that State Statute required the Governing Body of the
Municipality where the applicant conducts business to hold a public hearing. If the
Governing Body does not respond within sixty days, concurrence is presumed and the
license is issued. Ms. Obermaier said that the cost of a public hearing notice and the
time for a public hearing is not necessary if the Council does not act. Staff
recommended that no action be taken.
No action was taken.
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October 19, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 2
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VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Johnson moved and Council
Member Hesch seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was
adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:04 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor
October 19, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Page 3
Work Session Minutes
October 19, 1999
A City Council work session was held on Tuesday, October 19, 1999 in the Council
Chambers after the regular City Council meeting.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Chuck Redepennin9 at 8:10 p.m. All four
Council members were in attendance, as was City Manager Steve Mielke.
Traffic concern, Park Valley
The first item of discussion was a question from Council member Johnson who had
discussed a traffic concern in the Park Valley neighborhood with Dick Christiansen, a
resident of the area. The concern was for cut-through traffic into the residential
neighborhood from 11th Avenue and/or the Opus area. The question from Council
member Johnson was whether or not a traffic study could be started to analyze the
conditions in the area.
Council member Jensen relayed her concern about traffic on 11th Avenue and
congestion at the intersection of Westbrooke Way. Visibility is also a concern. Mielke
stated that because of the Excelsior Boulevard reconstruction there is a lot of traffic
avoiding Shady Oak Road and Excelsior Boulevard by using Smetana Road and 11 th
Avenue as a alternative route.
Mielke indicated that a study was conducted of these issues a number of years ago,
and that he would pull that out and discuss it with the public works department prior to
further discussions with the City Council.
Nuisance complaints, Koss Paints
Council member Maxwell asked about the status of nuisance complaints at Koss
Paints. Mielke stated that this site has been a habitual problem and that the inspection
department is and has been writing orders for cleanup, but that a permanent solution
has not been found to prevent future violations. He indicated that staff is planning a
discussion with the Council about alternative means of handling nuisance complaints,
and that it may be possible under the zoning ordinance to require screening/fencing of
the Koss Paint's work area as a way of hiding the storage and work areas on site.
liquor license status, Michaelangelo's
The next question was a question about the liquor license status of Michaelangelo's
Restaurant. Mielke indicated that he would update the Council on this issue after
checking with the City Clerk.
Best Buy redevelopment
A Council member asked for the status of the Best Buy redevelopment project. Mielke
stated that Opus had contacted the staff and indicated that it was still two to three
weeks off before Best Buy would give indications of their intentions. Therefore, there is
nothing more to tell the Council.
Work session minutes 10/19/99
Page 2
Gary's Towing site
A Council member asked if others had been down to view the Gary's Towing property
and noted that the property had been cleaned up. Mielke concurred and indicated that
staff has been contacted by a business near the Gary's Towing site inquiring about a
possible purchase of the site. Discussion was then held regarding other properties in
the area, and the need to be vigilant about nuisance and property conditions in and
around this industrial area. Mielke stated that he expected additional nuisance related
actions in the area based upon probable complaints about the conditions of other
properties.
Taking of property, Surge Water Conditioning
Council member Maxwell indicated that he had spoken to Mr. Gary Capone of Surge
Water Conditioning. Mr. Capone stated that the position of the county with regard to
the taking of his property for County Road 3 expansion was not going well, and that the
two parties were significantly apart in value. Maxwell indicated that Capone had said
that the city is at fault for the disparity in price. Discussion was held by the Council
regarding this comment with questions as to whether the statement was factual,
concerns about the budget for acquisition, and whether or not the city should be
involved in negotiations. Mielke stated that he would arrange for an update to the
Council regarding the status of the acquisitions. He will also find out if the appraisals
are public knowledge and if they can be shared with the City Council.
There being no other business Council member Hesch made a motion to close the work
session. The motion was seconded by Council member Maxwell and was passed
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
ATTEST:
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Mayor
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - OCTOBER 26, 1999
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on October 26, 1999,
at the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Redepenning and Council members
Hesch, Jensen, Johnson and Maxwell. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke; Public
Works Director Stadler; Police Captain Liddy; Mr. Beckering, Mr. Klocek and Mr. Magdalof
the Fire Dept.; and Finance Director Yager. Also present were Tim Griffin of BIKO Associates
and the following 73 & 5 Task Force members: Ed Anderson, Jerry Lavin, Jeanne Searles and
Ross Bartz.
County Road 73 & 5 Task Force Discussion, Steve Stadler, presenter
Steve Stadler reviewed the results of discussions with Hennepin County and City of
Minnetonka staff regarding the Task Force-approved design. The center monument, weight
restrictions and intersection table will not be approved by the County. The County did agree to
minimum standard lane width, landscaping, sloped curbing, bike paths and unique street name
signage. The County has agreed to a lO-year commitment to no further road expansion projects
other than one possible right turn lane for westbound #5. Actual work is scheduled to start in
2001. In answer to Fran Hesch's question, he said the County had no plans for going east on the
intersection to work on #5. Ed Anderson noted the County has not worked on #5 for 15 years.
Since meeting with the County, the idea of "traffic calming" has been raised and some of
those ideas were presented to the Council. Mr. Griffin of BIKO explained some drawings of these
ideas. In answering questions, he added: a bus stop on the northeast corner of Manitoba is a
possibility as there is no sidewalk; the master plan for the Excelsior Corridor may provide helpful
language, etc. if the #5/73 project must be implemented in stages.
Ed Anderson reported on the neighborhood meeting. The big concerns are slowing traffic
and safety. Everyone was pleased the intersection would not be upgraded and want that put into
any agreement with the County. Some were concerned traffic lights would actually cause more
speeding. The bike path would be okay if it does not go to property lines or take trees; if it
replaces the 11 foot shoulder there wouldn't be any problems. He was pleased the drawings were
made so quickly so they were available for this meeting.
Jerry Lavin strongly asserted that the neighborhood was willing to give up things for the
intersection and he feels the Council must not let the road get upgraded in the future, especially
as there is a future possibility of office buildings going up near Budget Tire. The fact that the
speed limit is highest for the area in the residential area is a problem; he is afraid the light may
cause people to speed even more to "make the light." He thinks the County has been very
dogmatic in its dismissal of some of the requests. He feels "bottom line concepts" are speed
control must be part of the intersection project and no upgrading in future.
Judge Anderson commented she felt the intersection and the ideas for slowing traffic on
#5 have to be taken as one unit.
Steve Mielke emphasized that the drawings for traffic calming have not yet been shown to
the County. He summarized the discussion as follows: The neighbors feel the cut-through traffic
is an issue at Manitoba. In essence both the Task Force and the Council agree to the following,
though details need to be worked out: agreement with county needs to include the "10 year no
upgrade" language, with exception of the right turn lane; we would like decorative standards and
need to keep working with the County for this; bus stop must be discussed with Met Transit;
signage should be unique; the intersection should be noticeable (rumble strips); safety
improvement on #5 is crucial and must be combined with the intersection work; bike/pedestrian
path is okay; "calming traffic" design is very important.
Jeanne Searles noted traffic calming even at the two points noted on the map at the "east
boundary" would help.
General Consensus
All the Council members expressed approval of the major ideas presented and felt the Task
Force had done a very good job.. There was general consensus that slowing #5 traffic and the
intersection work are one project. The ideas should be put in a package for Mr. Grube and the
County, with the response then to go to the Task Force.
2000 Budget Discussions, Lori Yager, presenter
This was an information presentation. Mr. Mielke and Ms. Yager noted that $240,000 plus
had already been cut from proposals to meet the levy passed by the Council. These cuts were
worked out with department heads and a list of those reductions was presented.
Public Safety Department: $27,000 had been taken out of public safety expenditures and
put into the storm/sewer maintenance expenditures. Mr. Stadler noted this is common in city
budgets as much of the street work is to keep leaves and garbage out of the sewer system, not to
maintain streets. He plans to keep track of "Main Street" expenses next year so people can see
what it costs to keep "Twin Cities' Main Street" looking nice. Mr. Mielke noted that adding
parking lots without adding income would change the budget picture. Gene Maxwell asked about
the Excelsior Blvd. upgrade maintenance; Mr. Stadler said that will be Hopkins' job.
Fire De{>artment. This department has three major areas: Emergency medical services,
fire prevention, and fire suppression. Mr. Beckering noted medical calls increase every year. The
Civil Service sirens are old. Imbedded Systems checks them every other day with a silent alarm.
The oldest one, at 8th Ave. & 15th 5t., must have its decoder replaced; all of them should be
replaced 2000-2002. His concern is that the siren sound may be blocked as more tall buildings are
erected. The critical item in the budget is a new repeater for the Fire Department; there are
"dead" spots and public safety is at issue.
General Consensus: Start the process to obtain the repeater immediately so it can be
purchased as soon as possible in 2000.
Finance Department: A major issue is reclassifying three clerks as this has major
implications throughout city staff.
Administration: The increase is mostly due to the hiring of a computer technician.
Other:
Community-wide Shared Vision
Mr. Mielke updated the Council on the Vision work. About 250 invitations will go out
asking persons to work on the focus groups. He asked the Council to look over the proposed
questions and give him particular people they wanted included. SCIP may have Mr. Allen do
focus groups for them in other communities, and a question for them has been included.
General Consensus: The additional question was okay as long as the budget was adhered to.
Motion to adjourn was made by Fran Hesch and seconded by Diane Johnson. It passed
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
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ATTEST:
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor
Kasey Kester, recording secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS: