02-23-2010 WS February 23, 2010
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
CENTER FOR THE ARTS JAYCEE'S STUDIO
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Kristi Halverson, Rick Brausen, Bruce Rowan, Cheryl Youakim, Hopkins City Manager
Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Director of Planning and Economic
Development Kersten Elverum, Community Development Coordinator Tara Beard, Marketing
Committee Fran Hesch, Marlene Hunkins, Susan Newville, Facilities Manager Jay Strachota and
Executive Arts Director Susan Hanna Bibus.
THINK HOPKINS /MARKETING UPDATE:
Ms. Beard stated that 2007 was the first year of a city -led marketing committee and the resulting
promotional campaign known as Think Hopkins! She stated that since then the city staff has been
facilitating the marketing committee which serves as an advisory group and is comprised of local
businesses, residents, and HBCA members.
Ms. Beard stated that the city hired Citylmage to create a branding and marketing strategy for
Hopkins in late 2006. She stated that they looked at three different areas; 1) residents, business
owner and employees. 2) Visitors (shopping, dining and arts patrons. 3) Prospective businesses
and developers. Think Hopkins became the branding and marketing strategy. Ms. Beard stated
that since that time they have created a web -site, printed materials, shopping guide, canvas bags,
antiques brochure, photo contest, business recruitment brochure shirts, brochures at Mall of
America and visitor's center throughout the state.
Ms. Beard stated the ideas for 2010 include Banner on Mainstreet, Community Event Brochure
and other event marketing, shopping and dining update, new restaurant promotions, electronic
media exploration and the movie premier of "The Convincer
Ms. Beard presented both canvas and vinyl banners. The cost of the vinyl is less than that of the
canvas but there is more option of color for the vinyl. They would not be displayed all year so they
would last longer. The marketing committee stated that it is time for a new look on Mainstreet.
Council discussed this new marketing idea and suggested maybe having the banner on 8 as well.
The council supports the marketing committee to go ahead with the vinyl banners. They also
support the marketing committee to proceed with all of the other 2010 ideas listed above.
HOPKINS ARTS CENTER PROGRAMMING FUNDRAISING UPDATE:
Mr. Strachota stated that the Art Center has presented six out of the nine Saturday concerts so far,
two out of the five Tuesday concerts, nine of the seventeen exhibitions in the two galleries, seven
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of the 13 Off the Wall Member Spotlights and two of the 3 special lobby display case exhibits.
Mr. Strachota stated that the oals for this series of Take Five Tuedays is to broaden the audience
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to include people who have not attended a concert at the center before including the young adults,
increase the overall number of people served by the concerts and deepen the connection with
existing concert attendees by offering another option for participation.
Mr. Strachota stated that the Center for the Arts has received significant media coverage for the
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Take Five Tuesdays. It is also bringing in new audiences and Cargill is actively promoting it.
Mr. Strachota stated that the Art Center is very excited about the Arts Festival which is being
chaired by the Hopkins resident Mimi Stewart. The Hopkins Arts Festival this year will be on July
10 1 l and it features a juried fine art fair, theatrical /musical presentations by Stages Theatre
Company and Hopkins School District. Food vendors complementing area restaurants and
Mainstreet merchants are added attractions.
Ms. Hanna -Bibus stated that the cost of a booth at the Art Center is $250.00 for a ten foot by ten
foot booth.
Mr. Strachota stated that additional staffing would eventually strengthen the Hopkins Center for
the Arts fundraising abilities and financial position. It would do this by freeing some of the Art
Directors time so she can focus on grants and other revenue opportunities.
Mayor Maxwell suggested banners announcing the shows that are coming up like they do in a
theatre. A suggestion was also made to put the upcoming shows on Facebook.
The Council discussed with Mr. Strachota and Ms. Hanna -Bibus and agreed that we have to give
this another year to see if there will be an increase in customers. The Council supports the staff to
continue on the path that they are on stating when you try new things it does take about a year or
so for it to succeed. The Council will help put the word to have restaurants and bars staffed with
enough people to accommodate the people who come out of the Art Center after a showing and
also talk to them about a two for one deal.
OTHER:
Mr. Getschow stated that the 2010 Citizens Academy is coming up this will be the
schedule:
o General Government Thursday, March 4, 2010, 6:15 p.m at Hopkins City Hall,
1010 1 Street South.
o Police Department Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at Hopkins Police
Department, 1010 1 Street South. Council member Brausen will attend.
o Planning Economic Development Thursday, March 18, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at
Dow Towers, 22 5 Ave South. Council member Brausen will attend.
o Public Works Thursday, March 25, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at Public Works Garage,
11100 Excelsior Blvd. Council member Halverson will attend.
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o Fire Department Thursday, April 1, 2010, 6:30 p.m. at Hopkins Fire
Department, 101 17 Ave South. Council member Youakim will attend.
o Graduation Ceremony Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at Hopkins City Hall,
1010 First Street South.
On a motion by Youakim, and second by Halverson, the meeting was adjourned pm.
ourned at 9:15
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Debbie Sperling, Secretary
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Eugene J. Maxwe Mayor
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