Minutes for June 12,2007 C.C W.S ,
� June 12, 2007
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• MINUTES
CITY COLTNCIL WORK SESSION — June 12, 2007
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene .
Maxwell at 6:30 p.m. on 3une 12, 2007, at the Hopkins Pavilion. Council members Kristi
Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Jay Thompson and Cheryl Youakim were present. City
personnel present were City Manager Rick Getschow, Pavilion Manager pon Olson, City
Planner Nancy Anderson, Housing and Development Coordinator Kersten Elverum, and
Economic Development Director Jim Kerrigan. Also present were Mark Koegler of
Hoisington-Koegler and Zoning and Planning Commission members Linda Flynn, Peter
Sholtz, Bob Hatlestad, Tom Jenny, Kate Reilly, Kathryn Newcomb and Jannina Aristy.
Commission member Virgil Aarness arrived for the Tobacco Moratoriuxn issue.
Pavilion Update
Recreation Director Olson said May proj ects included lighting on the playing
field; replacing arena lights with TA florescent lights, and installing new skate tile in the
skating area as well as the Pavilian lobby.
Last week the city received a proposal from the Hopkins Boys Hockey Booster
Club asking to borrow $24,000 from the city to install wooden lockers in the high school
team rooms, which would be used by the high school and the hockey clubs. These
lockers were in the original Pavilion addition plan, but were eliminated due to higher
costs than estimated for the Pavilion work. The Boosters would repay the loan by
increasing their payments under the Ground Lease Agreement of 2004 by $3800 per year
� until 2015. He favors this proposal as they have always made all payments on time, but
wants to get feedback from the Council before replying to them.
Mr. Rowan asked about the relationshilr between the high school and the
Boosters. Mr. Olson said the relationship is very close, and the school district payments
are always timely. Answering Ms. Halverson, he said treated birch lockers are often used
and incorporate seating for the players. Ms. Youakim was concerned they would raise
fees; Mr. Olson said the Booster Club kick-off dinner would cover a lot of the increased
payment, and the Club has other fund raisers.
General Consensus was favorable to have this come before a regular Cauncil
meeting.
Hopkins Comprehensive Plan Survey and Goals
Survev
Mr. Koegler said the city held 3 open houses in April and May for residents and
one for the business community. While many attendees did not fill out the survey forms,
those that did made copious notes and were in many ways typical of Hopkins residents:
about 75% were over 45, and most were in two-person households. Atypically, 90%
were home owners. He noted that it is getting more difficult to get residents to aitend
meetings as they are more likely to use web sites.
Responses to what they valued about Hopkins fell under location, cost of housing,
sense of community; convenience, the school system, the downtown area, and responsive
city officials. He added he rarely sees the last item in city surveys and complimented the
• city officials on their efforts to involve citizens. Major concerns were the Blake Road
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area (condition of the buildings, crime rate, pedestrian safety), housing (single family ;�<�;:
residences/rental ratio, lack of larger houses• for families, taxes), and the proposed LRT `
� (noise, crossings/stations, use of eminent domain). Issues that should get attention in the
, future included: housing (especially maintaining values), demographics, businesses, and
schools (maintaining quality as enrollment decreases).
Zoning and Planning will use these comments as they draft the comprehensive
plan. Richfield and Minnetonka did similar surveys, and he will try to obtain their results
for comparison purposes. Answering Mayor Maxwell, he said further citizen input would
be gotten at meetings in early fa11, at which the Commission will have a draft plan for
comment. Mr. Getschow noted Hopkins will get the results from the ongoing community
survey, which contained many questions applicable to the comp plan; he will be sure
those results are available to the Commission. Mayor Maxwell asked that he send a copy
of the survey questions to Commission members. Ms. Flynn suggested neighborhood
associations be involved. Mr. Getschow suggested that on National Night Out handouts
could be given to residents, but felt asking for actual responses would not be appropriate.
1 Ms. Newcomb suggested a table or booth at Raspberry Festival; Ms. Elverum thought a
better choice would be Farmers' Market as the Festival draws many nonresidents. Ms.
Youakim agreed with Ms. Newcomb, adding people could be asked if they were residents
before asking for feedback from Hopkins citizens.
Comp Plan Goals
Ms. Anderson said the draft goals were based on the old goals, but many headings
and items were changed. Numbers on the goals were removed to eliminate the possibility
people would consider the numbers an order of priority. The Commission wants to get ;,,
Council feedback before further revision. Each section was discussed separately. �
Protect the residential neighborhoods. General Consensus was to change
"quality of these neighborhoods" to "quality of life of the neighborhoods." Answering
Mayor Maxwell, Mr. Kerrigan said the city maintains multifamily homes through its
building codes, etc. Ms. Flynn added these are goals, not action lists. Ms. Aristy said
' this seetion involved long discussions, and the Commission put in the goals the results
they hope for as a result of action processes. Mr. Getschow noted this is a back-and-forth
, process as actions may result in goal changes as the planning continues. Ms. Flynn
I suggested an introduction might be written for the goals that explains actions are covered
in the body of the comprehensive plan. Ms. Aristy agreed, using the term "guiding
values." Mr. Rowan said he likes the section, but felt the term "irrevocably change the
nature of the community population" needs to be clarified. Ms. Newcomb said the
language was from the old goals but agreed "quality of life" terms would be better.
Protect and enhance downtown Hopkins. Ms. Anderson noted a definition of
"downtown Hopkins" was the first item so as to clarify what area was meant. Ms.
Elverum noted this defuution is slightly different from that used for the design guidelines.
Mr. Rowan asked what was meant by "monitor the downtown business climate." Ms.
Flynn said this is done now by cooperating with HBCA, etc. Mayor M�well added the
' city tries to keep current information on "cost per square foot" for retail space. After
general discussion, general consensus was to remove "as well as incorporating
performing artists" from the fourth subparagraph, and to change "more" to "an" in the
fifth one. ,,;;,
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� Identify and assist in the redevelopment of blighted or obsolete structures.
After discussion, g consensus was to change the heading to "redevelopment to
increase the tax base and employment base" or similar wording. Ms. Youakim suggested
elimination of all subparagraphs as being action items, not goals. Ms. Flynn agreed they
were present "hot spots" that are not necessarily long-term goals. Mr. Kerrigan added
they are covered under the Economic Strategic Development Plan, and Mr. Getschow
noted they would be in the complete comp plan. General consensus was to eliminate all
subparagraphs. Mr. Sholtz suggested adding something about redevelopment of
residential units. Ms. Flynn suggested "willingness to look at all opportunities for
redevelopment" as possible wording. Ms. Youakim suggested the term "nodes of
opportunity" could be used here or in another section.
Bolster the image of the community.... General consensus was to follow Ms.
Elverum's suggestion of leaving out the subparagraphs.
Maintain fiscal health.... Ms. Youakim suggested the third sentence include
"quality of life." This met with ,g�eneral consensus After discussion there was eneral
consensus to keep "which adds to the ta�c base" in the first subparagraph. It was also
agreed to change "encouraging targeted business" in the third subparagraph to
"encouraging new business." Jim Kerrigan noted in relation to service quality that the
police department sometimes has concerns about certain businesses.
Influence transportation. Mr. Getschow noted the old heading had been
"influence county roads" and this is a good change. Ms. Youakim felt enlarging the topic
to include LRT was good, noting residents have had questions on the stations, etc. Mayor
Maxwell suggested adding pavement management, and Ms. Newcomb added "all roads"
� should be addressed. Mr. Getschow agreed highlighting the infrastructure needs should
be addressed in the main plan. General consensus was the subparagxaphs were too
specific as they addressed specific locations, etc. Mr. Getschow suggested wording such
as "support and direct transit-oriented development, linkages, and a walkable, livable
community." Ms. Youakim asked that protection and enhancement of open areas and
natural areas be included in the goals. Mr. Koegler noted "sustainable environment" is a
common phrase in many cities' documents. Mayor Maxwel� noted this is a priority in
considering redevelopment projects; Mr. Rowan added it should be in writing in the
goals. �
Residents, employees and business owners are invalved and informed. Ms.
� Aristy suggested an item about community diversification be added. Mr. Getschow noted
at city manager meetings many say cities need to be ready when diverse groups want to
become involved. Mr. Rowan concurred with the idea. Mayor Maxwell said we
definitely don't want first interactions to be confrontations. Mr. Getschow continued,
saying Hopkins has stakeholders of diverse groups and has made a real effort to get them
involved. Ms. Elverum added staff has really worked to build rapport with the Somalis in
the Blake Road area; Ms. Flynn added that work could be a basis for other groups. Ms.
Aristy noted the school district has hired interpreters for Latino and Somali populations
and built a lot of bridges to those communities. Mayor Maxwell sta.ted that the Police
Department does work with the interpreters. Mr. Koegler noted some cities axe using
other languages on their web sites; Ms. Aristy noted school enrollment might be a pointer
as what languages could be used, but many of the target groups do not have internet so it
� might not be worth the money. Having interpreters a�ailable would be a better use of
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resources. Ms. Youakim suggested we might work with neighboring cities for �;:;;;;,,
"interpreters on call." Mr. Getschow noted Hennepin County had worked with Hopkins �
to get Somali interpreters to go to Blake Road residents. General consensus was to
include diversification in the goals.
Ms. Anderson said she would revise the goals using suggestions from the
discussion.
i Tobacco Moratorium
Ms. Anderson said that on April 12, 2007, a six-month moratorium on the
expansion of new locations for tobacco sales became effective. Currently pipe and
tobacco shops are allowed in B-2 zoning areas. They can be an accessory use in other
districts (such as in grocery stores or gas stations). Zoning and Planning reviewed the
issues at their April meeting and could not reach consensus. Answering Ms. Flynn, she
said the percentage for tobacco sales is based on floor space. Mayor Maxwell said his
concern is with accessories. Mr. Getschow said the definition of "accessory" is a big
issue. The 51% space requirement does not include tobacco accessories. He asked if
using distance limitations as is done for liquor might be a solution; Ms. Anderson said it
could be done. Ms. Youakim asked why accessories could not be included in the 51 %
space requirement as it seems to be the only way to control glass pipes. Mr. Getschow
noted the city clerk had suggested licenses for accessory use might be limited to certain
types of businesses such as grocery stores and gas stations. Ms. Flynn asked about
limiting the number of licenses while grandfathering in current ones. Mayor Maxwell
said he feels location is the key; Mr. Rowan agreed. Ms. Flynn asked if licenses could be
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controlled by distances to sensitive uses; Mr. Getschow said yes. He added that �
j, Bloomington has an ordinance on drug paraphernalia but our city attorney says it may
not be enforceable. Staff feels compliance checks should be tried. Ms. Youakim saw
two issues: drug paraphernalia (including defining accessory use and including
accessories in the floor space percentage) and use of B2B3 zoning districts. Council and
staff need to decide which is more important. General consensus was to work on an
ordinance based on floor space percentages including any tobacco-related items and on
' distance criteria.
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Other
Ms. Halverson reminded members about the Elks celebration on Flag Day.
Mr. Rowan mentioned his previously discussed phone call. He met with a citizen
about alley lights on 9�' Avenue and 3 St. N. The resident wants the city to install lights
and charge residents on their utility bills. Mr. Getschow said he would get. figures from
Public Works.
Mr. Rowan asked about the letter from Mr. Ellerbrock. Mr. Getschow said he will follow
up on that issue and update the Council.
{ Mayor Maxwell reminded members about the dedication ceremony at the Police
' Department at 7:00 on June 19. He asked who would be able to accept a plaque from the
Farmers' Market for the City on Saturday. Mr. Rowan volunteered.
Mr. Getschow noted the veto of the omnibus tax bill had stopped the Hennepin
County HRA levy authority.
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• Ms. Youakim said she had received a complaint about the traffic light timing on
Highway 7. Mayor Maxwell noted that is a state issue as it is a state highway.
On motion by Ms. Halverson and second by Mr. Thompson, the meeting
adjourned at 9:05 p.m. on a vote of 5-0.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
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