IV.1. Approval of Minutes of January 9, 2026, Goal Setting Retreat Proceedings; DomeierHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025
ATTENDANCE
Present for the Hopkins City Council and Staff Retreat 202 6 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 Pavek,
Police Chief Johnson, Fire Chief Wenshau, Planning and Economic Development
Director Elverum, 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.
X Marks the Spot
Facilitator Chad Weinstein directed participants to place a dot on a Hopkins map, then
describe a spot that has special meaning for them in the city.
Year in Review
City Manager Mornson presented achievements of the past year, including progress on
strategic priorities.
Budget Outlook and Discussion
Finance Director Bishop provided an overview of the budget outlook. Facilitator Weinstein
questioned what are the City’s core needs and related expenses, high -value additions,
and strategic investments? What are the budgetary implications of “needs” and “wants?”
Candid conversations were held about past budget preparation and setting the tone for
future budget meetings.
Development Update and Discussion
Director of Planning and Development Elverum provided progress on various projects
and properties.
Discussion: The Infinite Game and Hopkins Growth
Discussion of the ideas presented in the assigned video by Simon Sinek, and its
implications for how Hopkins can continue to thrive.
Brainstorm: Development and Other Big Ideas
Discussion: Civility Policy and Council Logistics
City Manager Mornson provided information about the proposed Code of Conduct.
Facilitator Weinstein questioned should we implement a Civility Policy to guide
interactions for elected and appointed officials? Discussion of how council meetings are
functioning, and what is working/what could be improved in council-staff cooperation. The
City Council preferred to review the current communications policy and pause the Code
of Conduct discussions.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF RETREAT PROCEEDINGS
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025
Discussion: Goals and Hopes for the Year
Using the current strategic priorities and the ideas generated earlier in the afternoon and
strategic plans moving forward.
Closing Exercise
Sharing of what everyone learned. The day concluded with a summary exercise.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk