08-20-2013 CCA regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on August 20, 2013, in the Council
Chambers of the Hopkins City Hall. Present were Mayor Maxwell, Council Members Cummings,
Gadd, Halverson and Youakim. Also, present were staff members Mornson, Genellie, Harkess,
Stadler, Bradford, Beekman and City Attorney Jeremy Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Mayor Maxwell introduced Mr. Steve Elkins. Mr. Elkins stated after redistricting, he is now the Met
Council representative for the City of Hopkins. He gave a brief overview of his background before
his appointment to the Council. He stated he is happy to be an advocate and resource for the City.
Mayor Maxwell thanked Mr. Elkins for attending to the meeting and stated the Council is looking
forward to partnering with him in future projects.
II. PRESENTATION
1. 2014 Budget and Levy; Harkess
Ms. Harkess presented the proposed 2014 Preliminary Levy and General Fund Budget. She
explained the process the city departments used in planning for the budget, gave an explanation of
levies, described the revenues and expenditures in detail, and explained how a balance budget was
achieved.
Ms. Harkess stated she will present the proposed budget and levy at the September 3rd Council
meeting for approval due to the fact the city is required to certify a proposed tax levy and submit it
to the county by September 15. She further explained the city is required to hold a public meeting
on the proposed budget and levy and that staff is recommending it be held on the December 3
Council meeting.
The Mayor Maxwell thanked Ms. Harkess for the presentation.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the August 5, 2013 Council Meeting
2. Minutes of the August 5, 2013 Work Session Following the Council Meeting
3. Minutes of the August 13, 2013 Work Session
4. Move to Schedule a Special Meeting to Canvass 2013 General Elections Results; Luedke
5. Second Reading of Zoning Amendments; Beekman
6. Approve Resolution 2013-048, Revising Legislative Policy 41A, Lawful Gambling; Luedke
7. Approve Resolution in Support of Environmental Grant — Oxford Green; Beekman
8. Approve Offers for Temporary Easements, 2014 Street and Utility Improvements; Bradford
9. Order Public Hearing for 2013 Miscellaneous Special Assessments; Robertson
Council Member Gadd moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to approve the
Consent Agenda. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member Cummings, aye; Council
Member Gadd, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Council Member Youakim, aye; Mayor
Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. First Reading of Renewal of Franchise Ordinance; Harkess/Stadler
Ms. Harkess explained as part of the annual process of updating the Capitol Improvement Plan, the
City looked at ways to fund the park system improvement needs. The staff is proposing an increase
to the utility franchise fee of $ .50 per customer classification to fund the improvements as the
franchise fees are up for review this year.
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Mr. Stadler discussed the needs of the parks including aging play equipment and shelters and
installation of energy efficient lighting. He summarized the Capital Improvement Plan for the parks
in detail for next 10 years. He stated improvements are currently paid for through park dedication
fees; grant funding and donations but that these funds are insufficient to the up keep the system.
There was Council discussion regarding the number of parks, where the parks are located, what
happens to the old play equipment, changes to the safety requirements of park equipment and the
process of how the city receives park dedication fees.
Ms. Harkess explained the proposed increase to the franchise fees and the proposed five year
extension to continue to fund the parks. This will provide approximately $85,000 per year and
would assist with planning future park improvements, she stated current park dedication fees are
sporadic and are hard to plan for. She further explained the City looked at an alternative of a 1.5
million bond sale but stated this would have been added to the tax levy which would increase the
property taxes at a greater amount to the residents than the franchise fee increase.
There was Council discussion regarding the bond sale, the process the Park Board used to examine
the needs of the parks and how the public would have input into the improvement of their
neighborhood parks.
Mayor Maxwell recognized Mr. Norman Teigen of the Park Board and asked that he approached
the Council.
Mr. Teigen approached the Council. He stated the Board reviewed the needs of all the city parks
and studied the survey the City had done to determine how well the park system was received by
the residents.
Mayor Maxwell thanked the Park Board for looking at the needs of the parks and exploring ways to
fund the improvements.
Council Member Cummings moved and Council Member Halverson seconded a motion to approve
the Ordinance 2013-1066 for first reading. A poll of the vote was as follows: Council Member
Cummings, aye; Council Member Gadd, aye; Council Member Halverson, aye; Council Member
Youakim, aye; Mayor Maxwell, aye. The motion carried unanimously.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Halverson
seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Sperling
AT EST:
Euge J. well, Mayor
Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk
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