06-12-2012 WSMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Raspberry Room -- 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:34 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Jason Gadd, Kristi Halverson, Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Mornson,
Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Water & Sewer Superintendent Doug Anderson,
Community Development Coordinator Tara Beard, WCL representative Dave Clark, Klodt
representative John Bell, Service Organization Representatives: Raspberry Festival Charlie
Yunker, American Legion Ken Grams, Elks Club Tom Plehal, Victor Baldwin & Douglas
Dyrland, Hopkins Jaycees Joel Blom
New business:
Service Club Organizations:
Mayor Maxwell welcomed the Service Club Organization representatives.
Council member Gadd gave an overview of the Yellow Ribbon Communities program, a
coordinated effort between organizations that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting
service members and their families with community support, training, services and resources. A
key area of the program is identifying leadership from the community to be part of a multi-
community steering group.
There was much discussion by Council and the Service Organization representatives about
service organization involvement in the Yellow Ribbon program, the process to activate the
program, how to build the program in Hopkins, the multi -city designation, how to recruit
individuals to be involved in the program, importance of communication regarding meetings and
possibly involving the school district in the process. The next meeting for the Yellow Ribbon
Communities is tentatively scheduled for June 28, 2012. Contact information of possible
community leaders should be directed to Council Member Gadd.
Service Organization updates:
Evening Lions Club — Dave & Linda Williams updated Council on their involvement at
community events, rain barrel sales, charity focus and the storage area project they constructed at
Downtown Park. The Club is looking for additional projects that they can help the city with.
Raspberry Festival — Charlie Yunker updated the Council on fundraising efforts, the upcoming,
2012 festival and expressed appreciation to city staff for assistance during the event.
American Legion- Ken Grams updated the Council on their community, veteran and youth
programs involvement.
Hopkins Elks — Victor Baldwin updated the Council on their community events and involvement
with veterans and youth. The Club wants to be kept informed about the 8th Avenue
redevelopment project next door to their building.
Jaycees — Joel Blom updated the Council on community events, membership and is looking for
ways to help within the community. The Hopkins Jaycees were recently named the number one
chapter in the State of Minnesota.
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There was much discussion by Council regarding the positive work that every club provides for
the City of Hopkins. There was discussion about a possible joint club project of providing a
permanent sound system for Downtown Park and organizing Movies in the Park nights. Mayor
Maxwell gave an overview of the road and redevelopment projects around Hopkins. Council
encouraged the organizations to contact the Council and City staff with any questions or
concerns and to send articles of upcoming events to Jim Genellie to be published in the Hopkins
Highlights and/or Hopkins Connections.
Sanitary Sewer City Code Revisions
Mr. Stadler gave an overview to Council regarding the Sanitary Sewer code revision designed to
protect the condition of the sanitary sewer system. The code would ensure that food service
establishments maintain their equipment for fats, oils and greases (FOG). FOG discharged into
the city's sanitary sewer system causes blockages. The code revision would allow the city to cite
businesses for discharging excessive FOG into the sanitary sewer system. 47 businesses received
written notice of the code revision and staff has not received any phone calls.
Mr. Anderson discussed with Council the inspection process of the sewer system and the
problems caused by FOG discharge.
There was much discussion by Council about the maintenance and documentation process of
grease separator equipment, educating residential owners on proper FOG disposal, identifying
problem areas and costs associated with clearing a FOG -plugged sewer pipe. Council suggested
that staff inform the Hennepin County Health Department regarding the code revision. The 2nd
reading of the Sanitary Sewer City Code revision is scheduled for the June 19, 2012 City Council
meeting.
Park Nicollet Site Update
Ms. Beard gave an overview of the Park Nicollet site project and approval process timetable.
Mr. Bell updated the Council on the proposed residential development and approvals that the
developer still needs to resolve for the Park Nicollet site. Mr. Bell described the proposed
number of units in the buildings, types of dwelling units, parking spaces per unit and plaza
amenities.
Mr. Clark gave an overview of the possible building facade, building amenities, lighting, set-
backs, single -height paved plaza sidewalk, balconies & ground floor patios, courtyard features,
alleyway, fencing, parking garage entrance and exit, storm water drainage, interior of the
buildings, building security, property management, quality of materials, bike storage rooms,
floor plans, rental price points, and demolition & building timetable.
There was much discussion by Council regarding the building design, excavation of the site and
construction timetable. Council suggested that the developer discuss building security with the
Hopkins Police Department and stressed the importance of communicating with the Elks Club
about the construction process. A tour of a similar Klodt development will be arranged for the
new City Council Members & staff.
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Cottaaeville Park Update
Mr. Stadler & Ms. Beard updated the Council regarding Cottageville Park. Staff updated the
Council on the negotiations for purchase of the remaining property at 431/433 Blake Road. Ms.
Beard gave an overview of the community engagement process seeking park design input. There
will be a community wide event & park tour scheduled for late June. Council encouraged the
importance of highlighting the meeting as a citywide event by publicizing it in the Hopkins
Highlights, Hopkins Connections and area print & online newspapers.
Mr. Stadler & Ms. Beard updated Council on the Consultant selection process for the
Cottageville Park site. Four firms were interviewed and the committee unanimously selected the
Cunningham Group. The selection committee felt they had the best understanding of the needs &
vision for the park, area, city, storm water requirements, experience with public outreach and
past projects. Staff updated Council on the project schedule and timetable. The vision for the
park design will assist staff in securing funding for the continued development of Cottageville
Park.
There was much Council discussion regarding the consultant group, possible park amenities and
future funding for the park.
Engineering Services Selection
Mr. Stadler addressed the Council regarding the selection of an Engineering Service for street
reconstruction. It is important to work with an Engineering Service that delivers excellent service
to the residents experiencing street assessments. Bolton Menk has delivered good service,
worked well with City staff and has local knowledge. Fees charged by engineering services are
generally the same. Current policy is to solicit proposals every three years. Staff is proposing
changing the policy to every five years.
There was much discussion by Council regarding the selection process of engineering services,
policy to select consultants, service contract vs. public construction bids, engineering fees and
the importance of customer service & positive resident reviews.
Other:
Council & Staff needs to keep the Elks Club informed about 8th Avenue redevelopment
project.
Council Member Youakim will not be available for the August 6, 2012 City Council
meeting.
Council stressed the importance of Swimming Pool safety discussions at area complexes
with pools.
Engaging Raspberry Renters committee meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 3 p.m.
Council discussion regarding the Yellow Ribbon Communities program.
Community Days of Service wrap up meeting on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Council Member Cummings will attend the Cops & Kids Fishing event.
July Council meetings are scheduled to start at 6:30 pm.
Watershed District has purchased homes on Lake Street and has applied for the
demolition permits
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City staff and Council will have a booth at Raspberry Festival Family Days on Saturday,
July 14, 2012.
Jason Hutchison has accepted a new position and will no longer be working with the
Police Department as the Prosecuting Attorney.
Webstreaming of Council and Zoning & Planning meetings is up & running. Mr.
Mornson recognized Assistant City Manager, Jim Genellie, for the good job & all the
behind -the -scene work he does for the City of Hopkins.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Cummings and a
second by Council member Gadd to adjourn the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Eugen xwell, Mayor