04-27-2010 WS Page 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Raspberry Room
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm. Present were Mayor
Maxwell and Council members Kristi Halverson, Rick Brausen, Cheryl Youakim, Bruce
Rowan, Hopkins City Manager Rick Getschow, and Director of Planning & Economic
Development Kersten Elverum.
DISCUSSION OF EBCO:
Ms. Elverum stated that Scott Tankenoff with Hillcrest Development LLLP discussed
this project with her. From that discussion Ms. Elverum learned that the development
company would demo the building on the south side. They are considering putting
in either offices or warehouse. The property would be put into use instead of sitting
vacant.
Council expressed some concerns in regard to this project. Some of the concerns
are; at what point can we stop and redevelop? What is their long term goal? What
are they going to do, Warehouse or offices? Parking lot issues? What other options
are there?
Mayor Maxwell stated that the City has a lot of control. Ms. Elverum stated that we
can make sure that the outside is kept neat for storage. Ms. Elverum stated that
they have money to reinvest in the property.
Council and Staff agreed to have them come in and talk at another work session
possibly in June or July.
DISCUSSION OF MARKETPLACE AND MAIN SITE PLAN REVIEW:
The architect for this project is Whitten Associates, Inc. Ms. Elverum stated that they
met with them and they showed plans that seemed very positive for the site.
Ms. Elverum further stated that they came back with different plans that appeared
quite a bit different from the earlier plans. The developer is firm on putting in 7 units
into that building.
Some of the concerns on this project is; aesthetically it is not pleasing to the eye
when walking by because of how high the bricks are on the building next to the
sidewalk. Ms. Elverum stated that her department stated that it should be more
presentable on Mainstreet. Another concern is that there are three floors but you
cannot use the third floor so it is empty space. Ms. Elverum stated that the building
code states that when you have a third floor a fire wall is required. The
development company does not want to put a firewall in. Staff will follow -up.
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DISCUSSION OF SHADY OAK ROAD:
Ms. Elverum stated that the staff met with Hennepin County and the City of
Minnetonka in regards to the Shady Oak Road project. She stated that there is
secured Federal money.
The County is looking into a narrower road and other cost saving measures such as a
smaller boulevard. She stated that the City of Hopkins is going to do their best to
make sure that the owners of property taken are treated fairly.
Ms. Elverum stated that she will meet with the County and the City of Minnetonka
again on May 18th to look at more plans. The Council discussed coordinating a joint
Council meeting with the City of Minnetonka again this summer.
The Council supports the businesses and owners to be treated fairly.
DISCUSSION OF 8T" AVENUE:
Ms. Elverum talked with developers and in regards to the Johnson building and Park
Nicollet.
Developers stated that this area would be a good choice for housing because of
the location. It may also work for retail, office, or a hotel use.
Ms. Elverum stated that they will continue to talk with developers and this item will
return at the May 11 th Work Session.
DISCUSSION OF LRT:
Ms. Elverum stated that County staff met with City officials regarding the light rail line
and the potential location of maintenance facilities.
OTHER:
Ms. Elverum stated that there is a prototype of the new banner on Mainstreet.
Mayor Maxwell stated that there are three positions open on the Zoning and
Planning Commission. Appointments for the new positions have to be made by July
1 st, 2010.
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The Council suggested bringing back a Volunteer Appreciation event. It was stated
that in the past they have honored volunteers by giving them tickets to a show at
the Art Center. It was suggested that staff look at what is showing at the Center for
the Arts. When this has been done in the past they usually have a social hour before
the show and then an ice cream social after it.
On a motion by Brausen, and second by Youakim, the meeting was adjourned at
9:00 pm.
Debbie Sperling, Secretary
CITY COUNCIL
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ATTEST:
&
Eugene J. ax ell, Mayor