Agenda
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
. FINAL AGENDA
June 1, 1999
7:30 p.m.
THIS FINAL AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
UNTIL THE START OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Schedule: 7:30 p.m. - City Council meeting
Work session in the Raspberry Room 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. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. June 1, 1999 regular City Council meeting minutes
2. June 1, 1999 work session minutes
3. June 8, 1999 work session minutes
. 4. Authorize execution of joint cooperation agreement, CDBG funds, (CR99-1 07) -
Elverum
5. Appoint new member to Patio Homes advisory committee, (CR99-111) - Elverum
6. Award bid, 1999 street projects, (CR99-1 09) - Gessele
7. Second reading, fire code ordinance changes, (Memo) - Magdal
8. Budget adjustment for contributions in the Activity Center, (CR99-112) - Yager
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
V. OATH OF OFFICE
Zoning and Planning Commission: Eric Rudolf
Park Board: Bill Gullickson Jr., Maureen Allen
Police Civil SelVice: Bob Anderson
VI. PUBLIC HEARING
1. Proposed assessments, 1998 alley improvements-US West, (CR99-108)-
Gessele
. 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)
.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
1. Conditional Use Permit, Frana and Sons, Inc., (CR99-99) - N. Anderson
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Consider Charter amendments, (CR99~114) - Genellie
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
2. Authorize sale of bonds, PIR, storm sewer, and Patio Homes, (CR99-11 0) -
Yager
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
. 3. Resolution requesting call of bonds, TIF District 1-1, (CR99~113) - Yager
Vote: Maxwell Jensen Hesch Johnson Redepenning
IX. ADJOURNMENT
.
A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on May 18, 1999J 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, Stadler, Gessele, Yager,
Anderson and City Attorney Jerre Miller.
\. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Redepenning called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA - PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
Karen Egger, 37 - 19th Ave N, Park Board Chair, said that she would like to start a petition
for resident interest in a pedestrian bridge over Excelsior Boulevard and asked Council
direction. Mr. Mielke said that he could assist her with the wording of the petition. Ms.
Egger also asked Council to address the issue of Council liaison support. Mayor
Redepenning said that the issue is being looked at.
Wayne Niles, 1102 Trailwood N, requested an exception to the pet ordinance. He has
three dogs and the ordinance allows two.
III. REPORTS - COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
. Steve Mielke, City Manager, said that the Parking Task Force met and developed a
schedule. Mr. Mielke distributed the schedule and noted the Open House for the public to
review the options. He also said that the changes to lot 500 that were authorized by the
Council were discussed and a decision was made to change fifty stalls to ninety-minute
parking.
Council Member Jensen said that a Park Board Meeting was held and invited Karen Egger
to come forward to report on that meeting. Ms. Egger said the Board discussed short and
long term goals. Some of the long term goals discussed were the pedestrian bridge, skate
park plan, beautification of areas, bike racks in the business area, and the implementation
of a no smoking policy at Maetzold Field. Ms. Eggers mentioned the Grand Opening of
Shady Oak Beach on June 23'd. The Board also discussed the Strategic Plan, city bike
paths, guidelines on streets to the trail connections, and the revamping of facilities at
Burns Park.
Council Member Hesch said that the Committee for Hopkins City use of HCA met, but that
it is too early to report decisions.
Council Member Johnson said that the Raspberry Committee met and announced that
Raspberry Days will be from July 8th through July 18th.
.
May 18, 1999, City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. May 4, 1999 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Miscellaneous Licenses
. 3. Approve Appointment to Human Rights Commission, Robert Samples
(Memo)
4. Set Public Hearing for Consideration of Currency Exchange Application
(CR99-093) Obermaier
5. Approve 3.2 Temporary Beer License for Raspberry Festival (CR99-092)
Obermaier
6. Nine Mile Cove Certificate of Completion for Public Improvements (CR99-
091) Gessele
7. Second Reading Ordinance 98-815, Vacating Portion of Alley at 246 - 14th
Ave N (Memo) Anderson
8. Approve Right-of-Way Agreement, SuperValu (CR99-089) Stadler
9. Approve IT Coordinator Position (CR99-095) Yager
The City Clerk made a correction to the Council Report on item five, Temporary 3.2 Beer
License. The correct time for July 17th is from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Council Member Maxwell asked if item four is a check cashing business. Staff answered
yes.
Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member Hesch seconded a motion to
e 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.
V. PROCLAMA TION
Mayor Redepenning read a proclamation declaring May 27, 1999, as Charles "Chuck"
Kritzler Day and presented a plaque to Mr. Kritzler.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
1. Order Assessment Hearing, 1998 Alley Improvements (CR99-094) Gessele
Jim Gessele said that the assessment process concerning the reconstruction of an alley
between the Arts Center and the U S West Central Office Building was delayed in hope of
negotiating the purchase of some U S West property for alley parking in lieu of
assessments. The deed produced through negotiations with the telephone company has
proven to be unrecordable. The assessment for U S West is $60.75 per foot. U S West
has 262.82 feet bringing the total assessment to $15,966.32.
Council Member Hesch asked how the deed could be unrecordable. City Attorney Jerre
Miller said that the deed is signed by the Attorney of Fact and that Minnesota will not
e accept that unless the deed is accompanied by an affidavit naming the Attorney of Fact.
May 18, 1999, City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member Jensen seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 99-40, Resolution for Hearing on Proposed Assessments, 1998 Alley
Improvement. 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.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
1. Award Contract, 2nd Street North Storm Sewer (CR99-087) Stadler
Steve Stadler said that Council approved final plans and ordered bids for Area 5 storm
sewer improvements at the April 6th meeting. Mr. Stadler reviewed the scope of the
project. Four bids were received with a low bid of $302,815.16, which was submitted by
OptiCon, Inc. This amount is slightly higher (7%) than the Engineer's estimate, but still in
line.
Dave Halter, SEH-RCM, contracting engineer, appeared for questions.
Council Member Johnson moved and Council Member Hesch seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 99-036, Resolution for Award of Bid, Area 5 Storm Sewer and Street
Improvements, Project 98-16 and Resolution 99-037, Resolution Stating the City's Intent
to Sell Revenue Bonds to Pay for This Project. 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.
e 2. Award Bid for Govern Software, Permits, Licensing, and Inspections (CR99-
090) Yager
Lori Yager said that the current inspections system software is not Y2K compliant and
needs to be replaced. The Community Services Department has budgeted $15,000 to
replace its current software in 1999. Of the five requests that were sent out, Govern was
the only company that responded. The software from Govern includes additional programs
that will benefit public works, licensing, assessing and permitting along with tools for
Community Development and Engineering. The additional funds will come from the
enterprise utility funds, $8,000, and contingency funds, $10,000. Ms. Yager said that she
has spoken with other users of the software and saw a demonstration of the software.
Tom Anderson appeared to answer questions.
Council Member Johnson asked why only $15,000 was budgeted. Ms. Yager said that the
original thought was that the company providing the current software could re-write the
program, but that that is not possible.
Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
adopt resolution 99-38, awarding the bid for the Permits, Inspections, Licensing &
Complaint Tracking System to Govern Software. A poll of the vote was as follows:
e Council Member Maxwell, aye; Council Member Jensen, aye; Council Member Hesch, aye;
Council Member Johnson, aye; Mayor Redepenning, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
May 18, 1999, City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3
3. Railroad Noise Study (CR99-096) Mielke
Steve Mielke said that St. Louis Park and Minnetonka have both been conducting analysis
. studies of "blocking" and switching by the railroads in residential areas. Both are
experiencing significant problems in these areas. The short-term solution is to move some
of the operations to the industrial area in Hopkins; the long-term solution is to move it out
of the metro area, to Glencoe. The three cities are looking for statistical information about
the noise generated. Sound meters will be used to measure the sound at various
distances. Mr. Mielke said that the two cities are requesting technical and financial
participation. The cost to Hopkins is $2,000.
Council discussed the outcome of the study and what the information could do for the City
of Hopkins.
Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member Johnson seconded a motion to
authorize an expense of up to $2,000 for the City of Hopkins to participate in a noise
analysis of railroad operations with the cities of Minnetonka and St. Louis Park. 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.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Maxwell moved and Council Member
. Hesch seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by
unanimous consent at 8:39 p.m.
Respectively Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
. I
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor I
I
May 18, 1999, City Council Meeting Minutes Page 4
.
. MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - MAY 11,1999
. A work session ofthe Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on May 11, 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, Director of
Public Works Stadler, City Planner Anderson, Public Housing Manager Skepper, Finance Director
Yager, Assistant City Manager Genellie, and Planning & Economic Development Director
Kerrigan. Also present were Bill Griffith of Blake School, and Mark Koegler of Hoisington
Koegler Group, Inc.
Blake School Access Issues, Steve Stadler, presenter
Steve Stadler said a meeting had been held May 5 with Hennepin County Commissioner
Tambornino and County staff, Mayor Redepenning, City Manager Mielke, Public Work Director
Stadler and Blake School staff. It was decided that the City and County would consider an option
of removing the raised center median from Harrison Ave. to Pierce Ave. and replace it with a
center, opposing left turn area to provide the access at Tyler Ave. Blake School is seeking. Blake
School also brought up the issue of compensation for the 1.1 acres of school property the Excelsior
Blvd. Phase II will be taking. Blake School would rather receive compensatory contiguous land
rather than money. He then introduced Bill Griffith of Blake School to explain the school t s overall
plans.
Bill Griffith said he wanted to make clear that Blake School is not in an adversarial
position with Hopkins; rather their goal is to get what they need without jeopardizing the
Boulevard expansion. He showed a map, indicating the drop-off improvement done last year,
. which provides better safety for students as they get on and off the buses. The down-side was it
took some parking space, making the need for the new parking area even more acute. They feel
the proposed median break is essential to maintain safety, as there is so much traffic from
downtown. He noted that peak hour for the school would be 3:00-4:00, earlier than regular
traffic. They were very encouraged by the County's willingness to consider the "fifth lane" for
turning, but realize there are reviews, buffering issues to be decided, etc. before a final decision
can be made. They prefer using Tyler rather than Harrison for the break so that they do not need
to use First Street in deference to their neighbors.
He emphasized that in the land compensation, the school has no plans to use any of the
compensatory land for development, but for buffering from the neighborhood. They would be
very willing to give a permanent easement for the bike trail, as they want it to remain. Buffering
is a major concern of theirs, not only to maintain good relations with the neighborhood, but also
for students' safety, especially along the Boulevard. The school would appreciate if they could
be part of the process when the buffering of Excelsior Boulevard is planned.
In answer to Steve Stadler's question if other parking options had been considered, Mr.
Griffith pointed out the soccer field is a back-up for area drainage. Another paramount concern
is keeping the lower school separate for safety reasons. Field areas are maxed out. The proposed
area is the only option they find viable. Steve Mielke asked about vacating First Street. Blake
School would support that. Gene Maxwell asked Steve Stadler if there were plans to straighten
Excelsior Blvd. east of Harrison where it curves; there are not. Mr. Griffith added that makes a
fifth lane even more imperative. Mayor Redepenning added the disposition of the corner with
. Surge and Dairy Queen has not yet been decided on. Gene Maxwell pointed out the
Edina/Hopkins border along the trail may be an issue. In answer to Fran Hesch's query of timing,
Mr. Stadler said preliminary layout approval is scheduled for June; construction on Excelsior
Blvd. would probably begin in 2000. The median break issue must be decided for the preliminary
planning; the land exchange issue does not.
- -,
General Consensus: The next step needed is a neighborhood meeting. The Council .
agreed to Mr. Griffith's suggestion it be held at Blake School. All felt the neighborhood needed
to know the trail would not be jeopardized and that Blake School is willing to close First Street
in order to get its median break. .
Comp Plan Review, Nancy Anderson~ presenter
Nancy Anderson emphasized that what was being presented was a rough draft of the
housing and land use components. There will be an open house for public input before their May
meeting, and they will continue to work on other sections of the Camp Plan.
A discussion of particular areas on the map followed. It was noted the Bicycle Trail Hub
will be under "Parks."
General Consensus: The following areas were especially noted: (1) LRT Site, how
should it be classified so that both the LRT and Super Valu can be accommodated (Steve Mielke
noted the agreement with Super Valu specified it as "business park"); (2) Blake/Excelsior area,
an open issue, the Council would like several options to consider (can it be divided into 2 areas?);
(3) two specific residential areas should be made medium density; (4) "Steiner piece," what are
the alternatives? (5) Shady Oak: Road area is an open issue; (6) Hopkins House area, now zoned
R4 and marked high-density, what is more logical?
The Council definitely does not want any areas marked "High Density" where there are
not apartments at present. The Council wants a listing of the changes made so that some do not
get missed,
Changes to Public Housing Program, Karen Skepper, presenter
On October 21, 1998, the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act was passed by
Congress, It will transform the way Housing Authorities operate over the next two years. Karen .
Skepper assured the Council that the mandates due October 21 have already been met by Hopkins.
Some mandates may not affect Hopkins (such as a resident on the HRA Board of Commissioners)
as it has only 86 units. The Tenancy Advisory Board will hopefully go into effect this summer.
Funding formulas have changed, giving the program more flexibility. Renters will be able
to choose if they want to use 30% of their adjusted income or 10% of their unadjusted income as
their rent amount, but a ceiling based on market analysis will go into place in an attempt to keep
higher level income people. Renters who have no jobs and are not elderly or disabled will be
required to do 8 hours of community service each month; this will be routed through another
agency. One of the best changes in her opinion is that rent cannot be reduced if the tenant is not
meeting work requirements.
General Consensus: The Council would like a list of the actions that must be in place
with their deadlines.
Information Technologies Recommendation, Lori Yager, presenter
Lori Yager said an MIS Coordinator would cost Hopkins $50-65,000/year, including the
cost of benefits. A consultant would cost $75/hour, which at 4 hours/day would be $78,000 a
year. She noted $60,000 had been set aside for this area, and there is $100,000 in the contingency
funding. Steve Mielke noted the Peat Marwick study was the best thing the city could have done
as now we know exactly what we need and what our deficiencies are. He added the city has a
million dollars invested in computer technology, and no one is in charge of it. The situation is
critical. He suggested the city hire a person for the remainder of this year and 2000, and for 2001 .
the position would need to be justified before it could be renewed; there would be a one-year
probation period.
General Consensus: The matter should be put on the consent agenda for the next Council
meeting.
---- -- - --.--. - -
.
Y2K Discussion, Jim Genellie, presenter
Jim Genellie said the following systems were already compliant: telephone, voice mail,
. water and sewer monitoring, city vehicles (including fire trucks), city hall generator, irrigation
system, Civil Defense siren. The following are not yet compliant: utility billing, police computer,
police dictation, building inspection permits software. He noted monies had been allocated earlier
for general updating of the utility ($47,000) and police systems ($250,000). Therefore, "cost of
Y2K updating" is basically: voice mail, $13,000; police dictation, $1,000; building inspection,
$35,000.
Lori Yager noted all investments, etc. were recorded if banking systems had problems.
Jim Genellie said he would get more information on banking. Steve Mielke noted police and fire
departments will be on alert and are working on some scenarios.
Jim Genellie said three issues still need to be dealt with: implementing the new systems
by the end of the year; testing the complete computer system; contingency planning.
General Consensus: Karen Jensen suggested service clubs be contacted to be on call for
emergencIes. Other ideas included issuing flags to tie on doors if help is needed, setting up
contingency corps and places. These will be looked into by city staff.
Other Issues:
Video Store Steve Mielke announced that an employee of Hopkins Video wants to start
a video store at Suburban Square, with a significant portion of adult-only stock which will remain
below the 30% that defines an "adult store." A permit was not issued as there was no enclosed
space for the adult material. There would also be 4 tanning beds.
Trucks on Second Ave and 5th St. Fran Hesch had been approached by a resident
. expressing concern about increased truck traffic. Steve Mielke said a letter would be written.
Board and Commission Appreciation: Several Council members expressed disappoint-
ment in the service and menu. Steve Mielke said a letter was already being drafted.
Beach Opening Diane Johnson suggested those taking part in the volleyball game all wear
"Raspberry Festival" shirts for the June 23 event.
Motion to adjourn was made by Diane Johnson and seconded by Fran Hesch. It passed
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Kasey Kester, recording secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
.
Charles D. Redepenning, Mayor
.
CONSENSUSSU~ARY
Blake School Access Issues, Steve Stadler, presenter
The next step needed is a neighborhood meeting. The Council agreed to Mr. Griffith's .
suggestion it be held at Blake SchooL All felt the neighborhood needed to know the trail would
not be jeopardized and that Blake School is willing to close First Street in order to get its median
break.
Comp Plan Review, Nancy Anderson, presenter
The following areas were especially noted: (1) LRT Site, how should it be classified so
that both the LRT and Super Valu can be accommodated (Steve Mielke noted the agreement with
Super Valu specified it as "business park"); (2) Blake/Excelsior area, an open issue, the Council
would like several options to consider (can it be divided into 2 areas?); (3) two specific residential
areas should be made medium density; (4) "Steiner piece," what are the alternatives? (5) Shady
Oak Road area is an open issue; (6) Hopkins House area, now zoned R4 and marked high-density,
what is more logical?
The Council definitely does not want any areas marked "High Density" where there are
not apartments at present. The Council wants a listing of the changes made so that some do not
get missed.
Changes to Public Housing Program, Karen Skepper, presenter
The Council would like a list of the actions that must be in place with their deadlines,
Information Technologies Recommendation, Lori Yager, presenter
The matter should be put on the consent agenda for the next Council meeting. .
Y2K Discussion, Jim Genellie, presenter
Karen Jensen suggested service clubs be contacted to be on call for emergencies, Other
ideas included issuing flags to tie on doors if help is needed, setting up contingency corps and
places. These will be looked into by city staff.
.