Memo City Council Work Session•
The members of the Hopkins Neighborhood Advisory Board will meet with the Hopkins
City Council at the January 9, 1996 Council Work Session to discuss the future role of
the NAB. The discussions will begin at 7:30 p.m.
I've attached a copy of the report which was discussed at our last meeting in
September, as well as some notes from the NAB Chair, Mike Miller. Please review and
be prepared for a lively and productive discussion on Tuesday night.
To: Hopkins City Council Members
Hopkins Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB)
From: Kersten Elveru
Date: Wednesday, January 3, 1996
Subject: January 9, 1996, City Council Work Session
What's the purpose of this exercise?
• Redefine and clarify the role of NAB Reps (i.e., need for agreement on the NAB's purpose and direction)
• Design a structure for operating within the new definition
• Get everyone on the same page, so that NAB Reps know what is expected of them
What's the end in mind? What are we trying to achieve?
• We all believe the NAB can be an effective tool to help build a better Hopkins
• As our Mission states, the NAB will strive:
"To develop stronger and more cohesive neighborhoods in Hopkins and to provide a forum for
communication and participation in the local governmental process in order to positively
influence the social, civic and business environment."
What's happened to date?
• Several attempts to analyze and define ourselves through surveys and discussions at our NAB meetings
• We have demonstrated a lack of consensus among ourselves
• Requested Council to review our comments and take charge of the process to define the purpose of the NAB
• NAB "statement" prepared by Kersten Elvenun (after conversations and meetings). Distributed to the Council
and the NAB Reps to help prepare for a work session
• Council work session in September, 1995 to discuss the NAB - decided to delay a decision
• Subgroup formed to review the "statement" and recommend changes
• Subgroup met and reported to Kersten
• Follow up Council work session with NAB scheduled for December, but postponed till January, 1996_
NAB notes and comments
• Difficulty filling all the positions - we've never had every neighborhood represented
• High levels of interest, energy, talent/ability and dedication among NAB Reps over the years
• Variety of methods for Reps to be appointed, (some are officially appointed to represent their neighborhood)
• Some positive actions taken in a few neighborhoods because of the NAB 's actions / role / influence
• A broader base of educated, involved citizens has been created because of the NAB - preparing new community
leaders for Hopkins' future
• The NAB has basically been in mothballs since May, 1995
Key Items to consider regarding the NAB's future
• Whose decision is it - the purpose, structure and future of the NAB?
• The NAB's voting / advisory role to the Council
• Determine if the focus should be on neighborhood issues or City -wide issues, or both
• Is there a need for business and school district representation on the NAB?
• Should only "organized" neighborhoods have a Rep? and / or should the NAB Reps be expected to work toward
"organizing" their neighborhood as part of their responsibilities?
• Define the expectations of the NAB Reps - (i.e., create a' job description ")
• Frequency and purpose of meetings
• Training, preparation needed to become an effective NAB Rep - developing these personal skills?
• NAB's role as a focus group on key issues throughout the city
December 30, 1995
1mikenabmemo4.c95