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05-26-09 WSMay 26, 2009 Page 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Halverson, Brausen, Rowan, Youakim, City Manager Rick Getschow; and Director of Planning and Economic Development Kersten Elverum ACTIVE LIVING DISCUSSION WITH ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS: Director of Planning and Economic Development Kersten Elverum stated that the City of Hopkins would like to create more user friendly sidewalks, storefronts, parking and trails within the City of Hopkins. Ms. Elverum stated that the Active Living program started the summer of 2006. It is funded by Blue Cross /Blue Shield and it partners with at least 8 other cities. The goal is to encourage active living by walking, biking, gardening and other activities for better health. After the presentation, Council member Brausen asked what happens if use changes down the road. He stated that it would be good to look at the older communities and bring them up to date. He liked the concept of active living. He also stated that it would be a good idea to look at the website that Kate Reiley had mentioned, Active Living by Design. Council member Youakim liked the concept and thought it would be a good idea to take it in sections to see how well it works. She stated that it would be a good idea to focus on one area with a developer. She also stated that she liked the idea of connectivity. Council member Rowan stated that he liked the philosophy. He thought it is very practical and it would be good to strive toward the goals of active living. Council member Halverson stated that it is good to try to connect sidewalks and trails. She wants the program to be one where there is buy -in. Mayor Maxwell stated that we have a small town and to keep working with the small town feel. He stated that we should take a look at what is being developed over the next few years. He stated that Planning and Zoning needs to decide what and where they would like to start and come back to the council with that information. BLAKE SCHOOL DISCUSSION: This is a follow -up discussion regarding Blake School's master plan and their desire to expand their campus. The discussion will focus on identifying under what conditions, if any; the City Council would be willing to work with Blake School on their expansion plans. Points to be considered in the discussion include: 1. Type of replacement housing 2. Number of units 3. Minimum lot sizes 4. Minimum values 5. Timeline for construction May 26, 2009 Page 2 6. Process for the development 7. Other compensation Director of Planning and Economic Development Kersten Elverum asked the Council for feedback on what they thought the minimal acceptable scenario would be so that we could protect our neighborhoods. Council member Rowan stated that the City needs to state right away that the street is a "residential" street and not part of their campus. He stated that he recommends that the City refuse to budge on the no removal policy. He also stated that the spaces for Habitat for Humanity have to be single family homes. Council member Youakim stated that there are trust issues. She stated that she would like to see a schedule from Blake on when the houses would be built on Harrison. She stated that the City needs to be clear and firm with the planning of Blake School. Council member Halverson inquired about the safety of the pond area for children. Mayor Maxwell stated that the City has ponds in other areas of the City and it does not seem to be a problem. Council member Halverson stated that we really need to have a neighborhood meeting soon to see how the neighborhood feels about the proposed plans. City Manager Getschow stated that the neighborhood does have a lot of weight with the plans. He stated that the decisions that we make today will affect the next twenty years. He stated that anything that would be rebuilt should be single family homes. Mayor Maxwell stated that we need to look at the big picture. He suggested that Blake would work from the outside parameters and work their way inside their area. He stated that the discussion needs to be with the neighborhood and Blake School and we could ask the neighborhood what they would like to see there. It is agreed that a neighborhood meeting should take place within the next month and then meet again with Blake School. DISCUSSION OF MARKETING "THINK HOPKINS: Ms. Elverum stated that 2 weeks ago there was a HBCA Board meeting whereby Think Hopkins funding was discussed. The board decided to only fund the campaign if there were dollars left over at the end of the year. The Council received a letter to this effect. Mayor Maxwell stated that they would need to take a closer look at the budget to figure out how this campaign is going to work moving forward. DISCUSSION OF MARKETING "RASPBERRY BIKE RACKS Ms. Elverum stated that the bike racks are $550.00 each and the City is looking at buying 10 of them. The company that would be making the bikes is out of Minneapolis. Council member Brausen stated that we should look at companies in the City of Hopkins to buy locally. Ms. Elverum will talk with a local metal fabricator company. May 26, 2009 Page 3 Council member Halverson stated that she likes the idea of the bike racks but it is a lot of money right now in these tough economic times. Council member Rowan stated that the bike racks would look good at entry points of Hopkins. Council member Youakim stated that it is a lot of money right now but she likes the idea of the bike racks. She asked Ms. Elverum how many bikes each rack will hold. Ms. Elverum stated that each rack holds two bikes, but these racks could also be bookends to more racks. Council will receive another update after a local vendor in contacted. Other: Ms. Elverum stated they will be meeting with Park Nicollet to discuss future plans. Council member Youakim stated that she is worried about the type of money that we get from Hennepin County as their funding is getting cut. City Manager Getschow will look into that. Council member Brausen inquired about information in the lobby about the rental inspection program that we have in place now. City Manager Getschow stated that there is a packet of information available but he is unsure if there is a packet on display. He will check into it. City Manager Getschow stated that there is information on the website, in Connections, in the Highlights, in the Sailor and on Cable T.V. about: City Manager Getschow stated that he received a letter from Stages asking to begin new lease negotiations. With no further business, a motion was made by Halverson, seconded by Brausen to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm. Debbie Sperling, Secretary Eugene J. Max v 11, Mayor o Removal of Ash Borer o Water Restrictions o "Buy Local" o Recreational Fires