Agenda
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
FINAL AGENDA
. May 4, 1999
7:30 p.m.
THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
UNTIL THE START OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Schedule: 6:30 - Property tax Board of Review
7 p.m. - HRA meeting
7:30 p.m. - 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. CONSENT AGENDA
1. April 20, 1999 regular City Council meeting minutes
2. April 13, 1999 work session meeting minutes
. 3. Ratification of prior month's disbursements
4. Approve engineering services agreement, Lake Street bridge replacement,
(CR99-083) - Stadler
5. Order assessment hearing, 1999 street improvements, (CR99-086) - Gessele
6. Subordination agreement, interim financing Westbrooke Patio Homes, Phase II,
(CR99-079) - Elverum
7. Approve resolution, Logis healthcare, (CR99-078) - Yager
8. Approve final payment storm sewer, Project 97-15, (CR99-082) - Gessele
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
IV. NEW BUSINESS
1. Sign variancel Hopkins Bowl, (CR99-080) - N. Anderson
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
2. Concept review residential project, Beard Group, Alliant Tech property, (CR99-
081) - Anderson
. Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CALL THE RAZZLE LINE - 939-1421
(The Razzle Line is the City of Hopkins voice message system) II
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. 3. Consider new Metro Transit bus route, (CR99-085) - Gessele
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
4. Approve stop sign, Seventh Ave So, Second St So, (CR99-084) - Gessele
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
V. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
VI. ADJOURNMENT
e
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. A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on April 20, 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, Gessele, Elverum,
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.
Ill. CONSENT AGENDA
1. April E), Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Miscellaneous License Report
3. Appointment to Human Rights Commission, Deborah Schepers (Memo)
4. Approve Temporary 3.2 Beer License for Jaycees Mainstreet Days ICR99- 074)
. 5. Award Bid, 1999 Alley Reconstruction (CR99-075)
6. Approve Resolution Recommending Non-smoking Policy at Shady Oak Beach,
CR99-07})
7. Approval of Pay Equity Implementation Report (CR99-072
8. Charter Language Regarding the Board of Equalization (Review) (CR99-076)
Council Member Johnson 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.
IV. PRESENT A TI ON
1. Mainstreet Days
Bernie Braegelmann, Jennifer Miller and Jayson Gadd of the Hopkins Area Jaycees
appeared to announce Mainstreet Days Celebration on Friday and Saturday, May 21 st and
22nd. Ms. Braegelmann listed the activities that are to take place.
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April 20, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
2. Westbrooke Patio Homes
This item was added to the agenda. .
John Carr, Chairman of the Westbrooke Patio Homes Association Advisory Committee, and
Robin Al1anson, President of the Westbrooke Patio Homes Association, appeared to present
a plaque to Kersten Elverum, Housing Coordinator for the City of Hopkins. Mr. Carr
reviewed the history of the conception and funding of Housing Improvement Area 2 and
Ms. Elverum/s contribution to the process. Mr. Carr and Ms. Allanson then presented a
plaque of appreciation to Ms. Elverum for her effort.
3. Donations to Fire Department
David Klocek, Hopkins Fire Department, appeared on behalf of Don Beckering, Chief of the
Fire Department, to recognize and thank Civic Organizations from Hopkins for donations to
the Fire Department.
Mr. Klocek thanked Elks Lodge 2221 for the K-1200 saw that was donated. Ken Olson
represented the Elks Lodge.
Bernie Braegelmann, Jennifer Miller, and Jayson Gadd represented the Hopkins Area
Jaycees. Mr. Klocek thanked them for donating two AED (cardiac defibrillator) units.
Kay Elliot, Noontime Lyons Club, said that they began raising $23,000 for a thermal ener.
camera four years ago. The Noontime Lyons Club contributed the first $1,000 and from
there it took three years to complete. Contributions were made by the Evening Lyons
Club, Hopkins Area Jaycees, Eagles, VFW, Masons, SuperValu, and others. Mr. Klocek
demonstrated the camera and thanked the Noontime Lyons and other organizations that
contri buted.
Amy Klobuchar, newly elected Hennepin County Attorney, came forward and introduced
herself to the Council. Ms. Klobuchar reviewed her goals for the County Attorney's office
and reviewed their recent accomplishments. Ms. Klobuchar stressed her intentions of
working closely with local government and school officials and being available for
questions and comments. Mayor Redepenning thanked Ms. Klobuchar for attending the
Hopkins City Council Meeting.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
1 . Proposed Use of Grant Funds for the Local Law Enforcement Grant Program
{CR99-073l
Heather Alex said that the Bureau of Justice Assistance has approved the Police
Department's application for Local Law Enforcement Block Grant in the amount of .
$13,005. The purpose of the grant is to reduce crime and improve public safety. The
April 20, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
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. Police Department is proposing that the funds be used for the purchase of Vision Police
Records Management System software. Ms. Alex said that the Advisory Board concurs
with the department's recommendation and that a letter would be sent soon to that effect.
Mayor Redepenning opened the public hearing at 8:07 p.m.
No one came forward.
Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member Hesch seconded a motion to close
the public hearing. The public hearing was closed by unanimous consent at 8:08 p.m.
Council Member Johnson moved and Mayor Redepenning seconded a motion to approve
the recommended use of funds for the 1998 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant towards
the purchase of the Vision Police Records Management System. 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.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
1. Rear Yard Variance, Duffs Auto (CR99-063)
. Jim Kerrigan said that this item was continued from the April 6th Regular City Council
Meeting where Council instructed staff to report findings of fact showing that a hardship
exists. Mr. Carl Hanson, the applicant, is proposing a one-foot rear yard setback, allowing
him to construct a building to be used for auto repair.
Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to approve
Resolution 99-26, approving a variance to allow for a one-foot rear yard setback. 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.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve Contract with Vision Software for Police Department Computer Record
System (CR99-0401
Heather Alex said that the record management computer is scheduled for replacement
according to the approved equipment replacement schedule. The present system is not
Y2k compliant and cannot be modified. Bids were solicited and after evaluation of the
systems, staff selected Vision Software as the product that best meets the department's
needs.
. Council Members discussed the ability to share the system, and asked how long the
company has been in existence and if the software has been tested and proven. Ms. Alex
April 20, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
said that the company has been in existence for several years and that although it is new
in Minnesota, the software has been used in other parts of the Country for several years. .
Council Member Jensen moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
approve purchase of Vision Records Management System. 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.
2. Kosovo Refugee Fundraiser at Hopkins Center for the Arts (Memo)
Mr. Mielke told the Council that Barbara and Seamus Rea have approached the City to
sponsor a fundraiser for Kosovo refugees on May 16, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. at the Hopkins
Center for the Arts. The event would be a family event with one or two bands. The funds
would be donated to an international relief agency. By sponsoring the event, the City
fund raiser would save approximately $1,000. The night is not currently booked and would
not be preempting any other activity. Mr. Mielke said that a clear policy has not been
developed on using City time at the HCA. The City could sponsor the event, but that will
require Council action.
Council discussed the time frame, the need for a policy, the need to identify the
international relief agency, and the liability and the amount of responsibility assumed as the
sponsoring agency.
Council Member Jensen moved and Mayor Redepenning seconded a motion to sponsor the
event contingent upon:
( 1 ) having the arrangements referred to and approved by the City Attorney in
regards to removing liability and responsibility from the City, and
(2) having the relief agency named and approved by the City prior to the event.
A discussion followed. Council Member Maxwell called the question.
A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Maxwell, nay; Council Member Jensen,
aye; Council Member Hesch, aye; Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Redepenning, aye.
The Council directed the City Manager to begin discussions with the HCA Operations Board
on the policy for City time uses and to report the progress at the July Work Session. Mr.
Mielke stated that he would like to have Council representation at the meetings. Council
Members Hesch and Jensen said they would be available.
V. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
Council Member Johnson said that she attended a Raspberry Festival meeting and that
they have approved the budget and finalized plans for the 1999 Raspberry Festival.
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April 20, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
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. Mayor Redepenning asked Council Members to remember to turn in the evaluations of the
City Manager by Friday.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Hesch moved and Council Member
Jensen seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by
unanimous consent 9:23 at p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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ATTEST:
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor
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April 20, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Page 5
. MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - APRIL 13, 1999
. A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on April 13, 1999,
at the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Redepenning and Council members
Jensen, Johnson and Maxwell. Councilwoman Hesch arrived at 8: 1 0 p.m. City personnel
present were City Manager Mielke, Planning & Economic Development Director Kerrigan,
Finance Director Yager, Director of Public Works Stadler, Nancy Anderson and City Attorney
Steiner. Also present were Fred Hoisington of Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. for the single
family moratorium presentation; Steve Mahowald, Stuart Krahn and Brian Lamb for the
transit update; and James Benshoof for the Excelsior Blvd. update.
Single Family Housing Update, Jim Kerrigan, presenter
Mr. Kerrigan summarized the three options the council had chosen to review further
at an earlier session: creating exclusive zoning districts for institutional uses; amending the
existing conditional use permit ordinance; combining the first two, noting the council had
seemed to prefer the third option at the earlier work session. Mr. Hoisington of Hoisington
Koegler noted that while current suggested language suggested $150,000 as a "trigger
amount" for requiring a conditional use permit, the council might want to lower that to
$100,000. Mayor Redepenning asked if this would be "new ground" legally. City Attorney
Steiner said while the goal is a bit different from that of other cities, it uses established
techniques and rules. The Mayor asked how institutionally owned single-family residences
would be handled. City Attorney Steiner that would be a council decision, but the new
. institution classification could apply only to property actually used for institutional operation.
Karen Jensen asked if an institution wanted to tear down a house to enlarge their parking
lot, was it covered now. Attorney Steiner said no. Diane Johnson asked if this would
affect formation of parks; it would not as they are already permitted in R-1 areas. Karen
Jensen expressed concern about saving single-family homes outside of R-1 areas, and
general discussion on this ensued. Steve Mielke suggested that the system could be
extended to R-2, etc. areas also. Karen Jensen asked if the planning commission was
informed. Jim Kerrigan said they had been updated. Discussion followed.
General Consensus: The new system should apply to R-2 through R-5 areas as well
as R-1. At the April 27 planning commission meeting, Director Jim Kerrigan and City
Attorney Steiner should present the commission with the same information as the council
so the commission members are prepared for public information meetings.
Phase II transit study review, Nancy Anderson, presenter
Nancy Anderson introduced Steve Mahowald, Stuart Krahn and Brian Lamb, noting
Hopkins was the first city to receive their update.
The presenters noted that the new ideas would make it easier for people to commute
both to and from Hopkins. Whether they will go west of Hopkins still requires further study.
A further study should be available to the cities in June. Gene Maxwell asked if there
would be a prioritizing in implementing the extended lines. Mr. Lamb noted those that have
. studies completed would be started first; of the nine areas the only other two being studied
yet are northeast Minneapolis and northern St. Paul suburbs.
General Consensus: The council felt the report had not met their expectations. City
Manager Mielke is to keep the Council informed.
April 13, 1999 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 1
Year 2000 Budget Format and Goals, Lori Yager, presenter .
Finance Director Lori Yager briefly reviewed the 1999 budget goals and the
assumptions behind them. She then asked the Council to respond with questions and
comments on the proposed new format which would allow the Council to evaluate
budget issues by proqrams, making it easier to evaluate what programs were
financially worthwhile.
Diane Johnson commented she was pleased to see the budget process starting
earlier so that council members had time to evaluate issues. Gene Maxwell agreed,
noting there had not been time last year to properly evaluate the assessing issue.
Karen Jensen asked if Y2K monies were budgeted; Director Yager said such costs
could come from the contingency fund. Steve Mielke noted Y2K sensitive areas had
been studied and should be ready. Fran Hesch noted some funds were available for
Y2K problems. Fran Hesch said she felt the new budget format would lead to more
clearly defined goals and help funding according to priorities. Gene Maxwell noted
each department has stated goals; the budget format would help evaluate if they are
being met. Mayor Redepenning asked how soon program budgeting could be started.
Director Yager said format change is not the problem; the problem area is for
departments to see what their program numbers are, how to allocate salaries, etc.
Something should be available in June. She also noted that Assistant City Manager
Genellie had met with other cities; they say the labor unions are recommending 3 %
salary increases. The budget is set for 2 % %, which is a 2 Y2 % increase in the levy.
This may need to be addressed later. Karen Jensen asked if the police department .
salaries total shouldn't have dropped enough to help make up that difference as senior
officers have been retiring. Mayor Redepenning said they had said the retirements
made no difference. Steve Mielke asked the council members to be able to inform him
on exactly what they want the new budget form to accomplish so that he can give
proper direction to department heads. Is the focus to help the council prioritize
programs?
General Consensus: City Manager Mielke will keep the Council updated on Y2K
issues; it will be on the May work session agenda. The Council agreed program-based
budgeting should go ahead. Mr. Mielke should get a written run-down on police
department salaries.
Yard Waste and Brush, Steve Stadler, presenter
Mr. Stadler said he recommended extending the free fall program for one week.
General discussion followed.
General Consensus: Mr. Stadler's recommendation is good. The $1 bag and
drop-off programs should continue longer; Mr. Stadler should come back with a further
recommendation on how to decide when those two programs should end each year.
April 13, 1999 City Council Work Session Minutes .
Page 2
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. Excelsior Blvd. Phase 2, and Blake School access, Steve Stadler, presenter
Mr. Stadler had met with both Hennepin County and MN DOT. Hennepin
County will not go along with a full-take of the bottle shop. . Does the council want
to proceed with a full-taking, given that they would need to bear the cost alone?
Diane Johnson asked if the original plan hadn't been to take all businesses south of
Excelsior Blvd.; Mr. Stadler agreed it was. Fran Hesch noted it was a lot of money;
could it be spent better elsewhere? Gene Maxwell asked for exact numbers. Mr.
Stadler said those would be available when the appraisal is done, which should be
finished very soon.
General Consensus: At this point, design approval has to wait till the
neighborhood has a chance to give feedback. Mr. Stadler should get some exact
monetary numbers for the council.
Mr. Stadler then went on to discuss the parking lot Blake School wants north of its
ice arena. So far he has been able to get the county to agree to a potential curb cut; the
county will not agree to street signals due to the little room for left-turn lanes. Mr. Mielke
noted Blake School would not be happy. Mayor Redepenning asked about the school buses
coming down the hill. Mr. Benshoof noted Blake School said they would not do that. He
said his big concern was that people would do U-turns in intersections to avoid going farther
because of right-turn-only approaches. Mayor Redepenning said he is concerned about the
increased traffic through the residential neighborhood.
. General Consensus: The council cannot back the Blake School plan since Hennepin
County will not allow full intersection stoplights in the area.
Other Issues:
Parking task force: They have had two meetings and are looking at the whole system.
He thinks they are making good progress. Mr. Maxwell agreed.
73 & 5 task force: A t their meeting in late March, they decided that from a traffic
perspective, the new plan was no better that what is in place already. He noted Minnetonka
does agree with Hopkins that they do not want 169 traffic to move to 73.
Board and Commission Appreciation: General consensus was to hold it May 10 at
the Art Center for the boards, commissions and task force for 73 & 5.
Steve Mielke excused himself while Mayor Redepenning discussed the evaluation set-
up. He asked that members have their appraisals done by Friday, April 23, at 4:30 so they
can be tabulated for the meeting on the 27th. Council members agreed to have Mr. Mielke
also fill out a self-evaluation. Mayor Redepenning said there would be a joint meeting with
Mr. Mielke set at a later date.
. April 13, 1999 City Council Work Session Minutes
Page 3
Motion to adjourn was made by Karen Jensen and seconded by Fran Hesch. It
passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. .
Kasey Kester, recording secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor
.
April 13, 1999 City Council Work Session Minutes .
Page 4