Minutes of the November 42013 Council MeetingA regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was held on November 4, 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 Anderson, Beekman, Elverum,
Harkess, Stadler, Strachota, Mornson and City Attorney Jeremy Steiner.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
II. PRESENTATION
1. Update by Commissioner Jan Callison
Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison addressed the Council reviewing the Hennepin County
budget process, Hennepin County tax levy, property tax levels and the taxation process. Commissioner
Callison gave an overview of the decision by Hennepin County to terminate passport services and a
proposal to increase library hours. Hopkins Library hours are proposed to increase by six hours per
week. Commissioner Callison gave an overview of the Wheelage Tax related to traffic and safety.
Hopkins will be receiving upgrades to three traffic signals. Commissioner Callison stated that the
major concerns received from Hopkins residents are in regards to Shady Oak Road, Blake Road, South
West Light Rail Transit (SWLRT), road conditions and traffic flow. Commissioner Callison noted that
the new Hennepin County offices located in the Wells Fargo building are scheduled to open in April or
May of 2014 and that ResourceWest will move to the new location in January 2014. Mayor Maxwell
thanked Commissioner Callison for her support and involvement with the SWLRT and the Hopkins
community.
2. Proclamation of the Lions Club
Mayor Maxwell read the proclamation declaring Friday, November 8, 2013 as Hopkins Lions Club
Day. Hopkins Lions Club representatives Dave McCarvel and Gary Hemsworth gave an overview of
the Hopkins Lions Club's service projects to the community and thanked the Council for their support.
Mayor Maxwell thanked the Lions Club for their service to Hopkins community.
3. Community Image Awards
Ms. Elverum introduced the winners of the 2013 Community Image Awards thanking them for their
contribution towards community image and gave an overview of the review committee.
Single Family Residential Winners: Timothy & Leslie Masterson at 214 -17th Ave N.; Jerry & Gayle
Seaberg at 313 -7th Ave N.; David Prchal at 34 -15th Ave N
4. Update on Upcoming Snow Season/Southwest Presidential Parking Changes
Mr. Stadler and Mr. Strachota presented an overview of the snow and ice control program for the City
of Hopkins. Mr. Stadler reviewed snow day statistics. Mr. Strachota gave an overview of the
snowplowing routes, personnel, equipment, snow event & snow emergency procedures and resident
notifications. The Snow Line number is 952-939-1399. Mr. Stadler and Mr. Strachota discussed the
snow season challenges including street parking, timing with Hennepin County plows and Central
Business District sidewalks. Staff will be reminding downtown business owners regarding sidewalk
snow removal procedures. Mr. Stadler discussed the proposed parking restrictions in the following
areas to assist with snow plowing and fire safety access. Presidents Avenue South neighborhood:
Presidents Avenue South neighborhood residents have been informed regarding the proposed parking
restrictions with only four responses received with one opposed to the changes. Mr. Stadler discussed
the proposed changes for the snow season of November 15 -April 15. First block of 14th Ave North:
The proposal is to restrict parking on the east side of the first block of 14th Ave N. from l 1pm-8am.
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Two responses were received from the area. 5th Avenue North: The proposal is to restrict parking on
both sides of 5th Avenue North during the winter season. A letter to residents in the area was sent
recently and there has been some feedback but staff will continue to gather resident input.
There was Council discussion regarding the importance of public information about the new parking
restrictions. Council consensus was that staff should continue to look for solutions and gather more
feedback for 5th Avenue North parking restrictions and to inform residents in the Presidents Avenue
South neighborhood and 14th Avenue first block regarding the new parking restrictions. Staff will
inform residents about the Snow Line phone number and Code Red to receive snow emergency
notification. Staff will discuss the parking changes with the Police Department.
Bonnie Kerns, 42 Van Buren Ave South, came forward to address the Council regarding snow
emergencies. Mr. Strachota explained the snow removal procedures for small snowfalls and snow
emergencies.
III. REPORT
Design Standards for Single Family Homes
Ms. Anderson discussed with Council regarding design standards for single-family homes within the
City. The Zoning and Planning Commission discussed design standards and the consensus of the
Commission was not to adopt any design standards. Ms. Anderson researched Edina's floor area ratio
and height maximum ordinance and compared the standards to homes on 11 th Avenue and it was
determined the homes fell way below the standards. Ms. Anderson discussed with Council the permit
procedures that new construction needs to follow and the Hopkins building coverage of 35% for
single-family homes. Staff has researched other cities ordinances and recommends that design
standards not be adopted for single-family homes. Mr. Steiner advised Council that he is not aware of
a municipality that regulates home design.
There was Council discussion regarding building coverage and the positives of various types of
architecture in Hopkins. Council consensus is not to pursue adoption of design standards at this time
but to periodically look at residential design standards.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the October 15, 2013 Council Meeting
2. Minutes of the October 15, 2013 Work Session Following the Council Meeting
3. Ratify Checks Issued in the Month of October; (Memo)
4. Approve Resolution 2013-071, - Permit Fee Increase; (CR 2013-113)
5. Second Reading for PUD Overlay District Ordinance 2013-1067 at 108, 116, and 120 Shady Oak
Road
6. Approve Resolution 2013-068, Accepting Improvement and Authorizing Final Payment, 2012 Street
and Utility Improvements, City Project 2011-10; (CR 2013-115)
7. Proclamation Military Family Month
Ms. Harkess addressed Council regarding the proposed parking permit fee increases for monthly,
quarterly, annual and overnight parking permits. Mr. Genellie discussed the public notification of the
permit fee changes and discussed the designated snow emergency parking lots.
Council Member Cummings moved and Council Member Halverson 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.
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V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Approve a Liquor and Tobacco License for Ace Spirits Hopkins LLC dba Ace Wine & Spirits; (CR
2013-116)
Mr. Genellie addressed the Council regarding the Liquor and Tobacco License for a new establishment
to be located at 4 Shady Oak Road, Suite 18 in the Suburban Square shopping center. The applicant
was granted a license for another location in Hopkins but the lease agreement did not work out. The
Hopkins Police Department has reviewed the application and has found no reason to deny the license.
The applicant, Mr. Louis Dachis, addressed Council regarding his business. Council suggested that Mr.
Dachis attend the Police Department liquor compliance class. Staff will make sure the applicant is
notified of upcoming class.
Council Member Gadd moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to approve the Off -
Sale Liquor and Tobacco Sales License Applications for Ace Spirits Hopkins, LLC dba Ace Wine &
Spirits located at 4 Shady Oak Road, Suite 18 with the condition a certificate of liquor liability
insurance is submitted to the City Clerk's office. 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.
2. Adopt Resolution 2013-072, Approving a Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Day Care (CUP);
(CR2013-114)
Ms. Anderson addressed the Council regarding the Conditional Use Permit to operate a day care at 715
Mainstreet. Ms. Anderson reviewed the drop-off area for the children that will be in the back, on the
north side of the building and the extended hours of operation. The Zoning & Planning Commission
unanimously approved the Conditional Use Permit to operate a day care. Staff is recommending the
extra condition that the day care staff needs to get a permit to park in city parking lots. There was
Council discussion regarding parking permits, State licensing, designated drop off and day care
transportation.
Mr. Rick Rommel, building owner, addressed the Council regarding the five-year lease, trash removal
and building lighting. The applicant addressed the Council and gave an overview of Family Resources
& Child Care Center. Mr. Paul Gates, project architect, gave an overview of the classroom design and
Ms. Fartun Ahmed, Daycare Director, discussed staffing requirements, food service, city park
playground options and that day care will not be providing transportation at this time.
Mr. Steiner advised the Council regarding the recording of the Conditional Use Permit. Staff will
work with the daycare if transportation is provided in the future.
Council Member Youakim moved and Council Member Cummings seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 13-72, approving a conditional use permit to operate a day care at 715 Mainstreet. 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.
3. Approve a Contract through 2014 between the City of Hopkins and the Environment Regarding the
Home Energy Squad Enhanced Program; Beekman (CR 2013-112)
Ms. Beekman addressed the Council regarding the Home Energy Squad Enhanced Program Contract
that will allow Hopkins homeowners to identify and implement energy savings opportunities in their
homes. Ms. Beekman reviewed the costs, eligible properties and terms of the contract.
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There was Council discussion regarding utilizing grant funds to pay for the city's portion of the
contract and marketing of the program to residents. Ms. Beekman stated that staff is working on
confirmation of grant funds and discussed the marketing and public information strategies that will be
utilized to inform residents of the program.
Council Member Cummings moved and Council Member Gadd seconded a motion to approve a
contract through 2014 between the City of Hopkins and Center for Energy and the Environment
regarding the Home Energy Squad Enhanced Program. 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Election Day — November 5h
• Sister City Visit from November 17 — November 22
• Tree Lighting at Downtown Park on Friday, November 29
Mayor Maxwell discussed the Sister City Visit and advised residents to call City Hall for more
information.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Council Member Halverson moved and Council Member Youakim
seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
COUNCIL MEMBERS
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk
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