11-10-09 WSNovember 10, 2009
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Raspberry Room
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Halverson, Brausen, Rowan, Youakim, City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director
Steve Stadler, Director of Planning and Economic Development Kersten Elverum, Community
Development Coordinator Tara Beard, Resource West Judy Elling, Police Services Liaison Anne Marie
Buck, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Gretchen Nichols, Representative of Sheppard of
the Hills, Blake Road Collaborative Holly Ziemer, and Ian.
BLAKE ROAD CORRIDOR SOCIAL SERVICES COLLABORATIVE UPDATE:
Ms. Nichols stated that the efforts to revitalize and improve livability in the Blake Road Corridor began in an
organized way in 2005 with the creation of the Blake Road Corridor stakeholders Collaborative (BRCC). She
stated that it was initiated by Hopkins Police Chief Craig Reid. Many partners were brought in to find and
create resources funding to do a community —wide assessment of the needs and concerns in the area that was
completed by the Wilder Foundation in April 2008.
Ms. Nichols stated that the Wilder assessment included face -to -face interviews with over 300 residents and
information gleaned though the many stakeholders in the Collaborative. It concluded with recommendations for
further action that City staff categorized into three parts: Public Safety and Youth Activities, Redevelopment
and Physical Improvements, and Social Services and Community Engagement. Ms. Nichols stated that the
Hopkins Police Department and Hopkins Public Schools continue to lead efforts that increased community
policing, reduce crime and provided structured activities for youth. Hopkins Planning and Economic
Development have led efforts towards redevelopment and infrastructure improvement. They have completed a
small area plan for the area and received county funds to build a new sidewalk on the corridor. Community
Services has strengthened housing inspection codes to bring more accountability to residential property owners
in the area.
Ms. Nichols stated that the plans are to continue to improve connections between Corridor residents and
existing social service in Hopkins. She stated that Resource West, ICA and LISC are all working together to
empower residents and businesses to work together with local government and organizations to create the
changes they would like to see in their neighborhoods.
Ms. Ziemer stated that she has been working since June of 2009 to help implement a plan for the neighborhood.
She discussed a vision and a goal along with ways to strengthen connections which include: (1) expanding
Neighborhood Watch, (2) Creating a Resident Walkers Program, (3) improving communication among
businesses to improve safety and loss prevention, (4) reduce litter, and (5) work with youth.
Answering Council member Brausen's question on how the City Council can help, Ms Ziemer requested that
the Mayor and Council show up to as many events as they can so the businesses and residents can visually see
the support from the City.
November 10, 2009
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BLAKE SCHOOL DISCUSSION WITH CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Jerry Steiner discussed with the Council what options the City has to work with Blake School.
Council consensus was for the City Attorney to work with city staff on strategies for how to deal with a Blake in
the next few months. A land use proposal is expected to come from Blake in early December to the
neighborhood committee.
2010 BUDGET SPECIAL REVENUES AND ENTERPRISE FUNDS:
Ms. Harkess went over the 2010 Budget with the Council on Special Revenue Funds which include Economic
Development, Para transit, Housing Rehab, Parking and Communications which was formally called Cable T.V.
She also went over the Enterprise Funds which consists of Water, Sewer, Storm Sewer and Refuse.
The Council was pleased to see the work that Ms. Harkess had done on the budget.
OTHER:
ATTEST:
City Manager Getschow handed out a summary of the dispatch study that was done. There was
discussion on this item and talk of getting on the LOGIS system.
City Manager Getschow handed out information in regards to the Rental License Code and
disorderly conduct. There is a lot of information that is on the website that pertains to these items.
City Manager Getschow handed out a flyer for the upcoming Tree Dedication Ceremony that will be
on Friday, November 27 from 6:00 6:30 p.m. He stated that the flyers will go into the future
Connections and to businesses. Mr. Getschow stated that the flyer should also be sent to Public
Relations Director Eileen Harvala with the Hopkins School District.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm.
Debbie Sperling, Secretary
Eugene J. M ayor