05-05-09A regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on May 5, 2009, in the Council
Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall.
Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council Members Youakim, Brausen, and Halverson.
Council Member Rowan was absent. Also, present were staff members Getschow, Genellie,
Stadler, Elverum, Beard, and City Attorney Jerry Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:28 p.m.
II. OPEN AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS AND CONCERNS
There were none.
III. OATH OF OFFICE
1. Ismail Mohamed Abdulle, Human Rights Commission
The City Clerk administered the oath of office to Ismail Mohamed Abdulle.
IV. PRESENTATIONS
1. City of Hopkins Works Project Administration (WPA) Mural Unveiling
Jim Shirley presented information on art works commissioned by the WPA during the
depression. A reproduction of a portion of a mural that was located at the Hopkins Post
Office and salvaged during the reconstruction of the Post Office will be on display at the
Hopkins Center for the Arts from April 2, 2009 to May 10.
2. New Americans' Academy Graduation
Connie Kurtz and Tsehai Wodajo presented the graduates from the New American Academy.
The academy is a way for those who are new to the country to get information about the role
of the police departments, using 911, local ordinances, domestic abuse laws, traffic
regulations, driver licenses and insurance, seat belt and car seat laws, curfew and truancy, as
well as other topics of interest.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of April 21, 2009 City Council Meeting
2. Minutes of April 21, 2009 City Council Work Session
3. Minutes of April 28, 2009 City Council Work Session
4. Ratify Checks for the Month of April, 2009
May 5, 2009 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 1
5. Temporary Liquor License for the Hopkins Elks Club, Raspberry Days (CR2009 -036
6. Temporary Liquor License for the Hopkins Elks Club, Rib Contest (CR2009 -037
7. Temporary Liquor License for the Hopkins Elks Club, Scotch and Cigar Tour
(CR2009 -035)
8. Amend 2009 -2013 Capital Improvements Plan, City Hall Roof Repair (CR2009 -040)
Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Youakim seconded a motion to approve
the Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Youakim, aye;
Council Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The
motion carried unanimously.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Amend City Housing Rehabilitation Program Guidelines (CR2009 -038)
Tara Beard, Community Development Coordinator, explained that the City receives funds
from the federal government through the Hennepin County Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) program. After meeting with Hennepin County, staff has determined that
changes to the City's program would be beneficial to the community. The recommended
changes were to increase the maximum loan /grant amount form $20,000 to $25,000,
decrease the percent of homeowner equity that must be maintained from 100% to 90 and
increase the term in which grants are forgiven from 6 years to 10 years.
Ms. Beard reviewed the reasons for the changes.
The changes will need to be approved by Hennepin County.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Halverson seconded a motion to
amend the terms of the City of Hopkins Housing Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program
Guidelines (Program Guidelines) on the condition that the City Attorney approves the new
language. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Youakim, aye; Council
Member Brausen, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion
carried unanimously.
2. Approve Resolution 2009 -028, Step to it Challenge (CR2009 -041)
The City's 2008 -2009 Goals include a strategy to undertake a City health initiative. The
"Step to it Challenge" is an event that promotes health and active lifestyles within our
community through walking, running and other forms of exercise.
The step to it challenge is a fun, light- hearted way to connect with family, friends and
neighbors and get moving again after a long winter. Resolution 2009 -028 is the City
Council's challenge to other cities' councils.
May 5, 2009 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 2
Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member Halverson seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 2009 -028 Challenging Northwest Hennepin County City Councils to Step to it. A
poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Youakim, aye; Council Member Brausen,
aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Maxwell closed the meeting to the public for the next item at 8:20 p.m.
3. Block 64 Litigation
Mayor Maxwell reopened the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Brausen moved and Council Member
Youakim seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by
unanimous consent at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
Eugene J. a ell, Mayor
v
COUNCIL MEMBERS
May 5, 2009 City Council Meeting Minutes Page 3