10-13-09 WSOctober 13, 2009
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:36 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Brausen, Youakim, Halverson, Rowan, City Manager Rick Getschow, Facilities Manager
Jay Strachota, Executive Arts Director Susan Hanna Bibus, Director of Planning Economic
Development Kersten Elverum, Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Finance Director Christine
Harkess and Fire Chief Dale Specken.
HOPKINS STATION AREA PLANS; SWLRT PROJECT UPDATE:
Mr. Stadler stated that the SWLRT project is in the review and approval process for determining the locally
preferred alternative train route. The Hopkins Station Area plans are being reviewed and are nearly complete.
Ms. Elverum passed around a preliminary draft from Hay Dobb. She stated that the City of Hopkins is working
with Hay Dobbs on plans for a downtown station that can work in the plaza area and also work with the bike
community. When the City gets plans that work well with the County, City and Met Council then they will be
presented to the Council for acceptance, approval and adoption.
Mayor Maxwell stated that it would be a good idea for the Minnetonka and Hopkins City Council to meet and
make sure that we are on the same page with the Shady Oak station area planning. It is also a good idea to keep
the public updated on the process.
Mr. Stadler handed out a map and timelines for the SWLWRT project. He stated that in mid August 2009 there
was an open house in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. In early September
of 2009 Southwest Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) made a recommendation to the PAC to go with
Route 3A. The TAC is composed of planning and engineering staff from each city along the LRT line, as well
as representatives from the Metropolitan Council and local agencies. He also stated that September 17 2009
the Policy Advisory Committee had a public hearing on Southwest LPA. On October 14 2009 Southwest
Policy Advisory Committee makes route recommendation to HCRRA. The PAC is composed of elected
officials from Hennepin County and each city along the LRT line, as well as agency and business chamber
representatives.
Stadler stated that Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority with have a Public Hearing on October 20,
2009. Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority requests amendment to Metropolitan Council
transportation policy plan on November 3 2009. In late fall Metropolitan Council will have a public hearing
on transportation policy plan amendment. Steve stated that at the end of 2009 Metropolitan Council amends
transportation policy plan to show Southwest LRT locally preferred alternative.
Stadler handed out a map showing the possible routes in Hopkins and the neighboring cities. He stated that
planning for the station area development within a 1 /2 mile radius of each proposed station is happening now.
He also stated that a study to understand the impact of LRT on environmental, economic, social and
transportation is happening now.
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Steve stated that by mid next year FTA New Starts applications and the preliminary engineering and final
environmental impact statement would occur into 2012. He stated the final design and construction forecast is
to occur in late 2011 and be done in early 2015.
PANDEMIC FLU PLAN:
Chief Specken handed out the City of Hopkins "Emergency Management Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Plan He talked about the precautions that the City of Hopkins is taking in the event that the H1N1 virus
should happen in Hopkins. He stated that the plan is also a continuity of operations plan in case employees of
the City of Hopkins come down with the H1N1 virus.
Chief Specken stated that the Fire Department has put out foam hand sanitizers for all buildings. He encourages
everyone to wipe down everything after meetings and also desk areas. If there is an epidemic he stated that we
would limit meetings and just talk by phone. He stated he would encourage anyone that feels sick to stay home
for 24 hours to one week if necessary.
Chief Specken stated that the epidemic could peak 6 weeks after school starts and then another peak possibly in
February.
He stated that the City of Hopkins have taken steps in the event the City employees come down with H1N1. He
stated that the Fire Department and Police Department will be working with neighboring cities to staff in the
event the virus hits their departments.
2010 BUDGET PAVILION, ARTS CENTER AND DEPOT:
Arts Center:
Mr. Strachota and Ms. Hanna -Bibus provided an overview of the Arts Center Fund.
Ms. Hanna -Bibus stated that last year there was a drop in rental and concert revenue which she thought could be
due to tough economic times. She stated that now people are back to buying tickets and it is picking up with the
current season.
Ms. Hanna -Bibus stated that they lost money on the Rita Coolidge concert a 2009 Raspberry concert. She
thought that could have been because people did not want to be inside in the summer and also competing with
the festival itself. She stated that they are going to have 5 concerts next spring and another 5 concerts in the
fall through the new Take Five series. She also stated that they plan to connect with companies to advertise
those concerts.
Council member Brausen asked about how many members were on the $oard. Ms. Hanna -Bibus stated that
right now there are 13 members. Council member Brausen expressed an interest in going to a future Friends
Board meeting.
There will be an update at a future works session regarding the new concert series and fundraising /membership.
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Pavilion:
Ms. Harkess provided an overview of the Pavilion Fund. The fund activity for 201 is planned to be very similar
to 2009.
Depot:
City Manager Getschow provided an overview of the Depot Fund. The Depot Express coffee /food operation
(not included in the city budget) is doing very well and contributing back to the youth operation. Depot
partners are working with the Three Rivers Park District on further capital improvements that could be
completed in 2010 and beyond.
Mayor Maxwell asked that all involved with the Depot be aware of any improvement's impact on future light
rail in the area.
OTHER:
City Manager Getschow stated that there will be a grant application on the next meeting agenda from the
Joint Recreation program to fund the Shady Oak play area through Hennepin County
Getschow stated that there will also be a grant application on the next meeting agenda for the future
acquisition and redevelopment of the Park Nicollet site.
Mayor Maxwell provided an update on a meeting that he and Council member Youakim attended this
past weekend with Senator Al Franken.
With no further business, a motion was made by Rowan, seconded by Brausen to adjourn the meeting. The
motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.
Debbie Sperling, Secretary
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