Approve Minutes of the WS on 1-14-2014MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
City Hall Raspberry Room— 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:32 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Jason Gadd, Kristi Halverson and Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Mornson,
Finance Director Christine Harkess, Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Park Board
Representative Norman Teigen and Ehlers Financial Advisor Stacie Kvilvang.
New business:
Landscape Plans for Shady Oak Road
Mr. Stadler addressed the Council regarding the Shady Oak Road project and Landscape Plan to
buffer and to screen the roadway from residential housing and to provide visual improvement to
the traffic corridor. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the Public Meeting where residents were
given an update on the construction, project phasing, timetable, plantings, landscaping contract
and project costs.
Mr. Stadler gave an overview Buffer Area 1 Landscape Plan including proposed types of
plantings, screen fence and the storm water plan. There was much Council discussion regarding
Area 1 buffer area, maintenance of the landscape areas, mound height, tree maturity and type of
trees and turf. Mr. Stadler stated that City of Hopkins is responsible for maintenance of the area
and that 2"- 2'/2" diameter trees will be planted with a mix of deciduous trees, conifer trees for
winter coverage, shrubs and fescue turf.
Mr. Stadler presented an overview of Buffer Area 2 Landscape Plan that will buffer back yards
of homes along West Park Road. Mr. Stadler reviewed the roadway elevation, drainage area,
types of plantings and screen fence on the north end of the area. The landscape plans also needed
to take into account room for snow storage.
There was Council discussion regarding the home demolition timeline, road elevation, fence
height and maintenance of the area. Mr. Stadler stated that the fence height is 6 feet and the plan
creates an attractive, natural area as a buffer. The neighborhood public meeting primary concerns
involved removal of the buffer of homes to the roadway and visibility of traffic. There was
discussion regarding a vacated area between the fence and cul-de-sac that will be maintained by
the city and possibly resold as a future home site. Council also discussed buffering the fence and
along the property line with shrubbery. Mr. Stadler showed Council photos of the type and
height of screen fence. The landscape contract timeline is far enough out to allow for continued
discussion with residents regarding the types of plantings. There was also discussion regarding
the possibility of burying power lines. Staff is checking into the costs involved.
Council discussed the 1'/z year timetable between house removal and landscape plantings. There
was discussion regarding a possible temporary buffer fence and holding off on tree removal.
Staff will investigate with Hennepin County regarding phasing of the plantings.
Mr. Stadler reviewed the Landscape Project timetable with the Council. Staff will keep the
Council updated on the construction phasing and project schedule.
Mayor Maxwell asked for resident feedback from those in attendance. Mr. Jack Stech, 226 West
Park Road, expressed concern of the elevation of Shady Oak Road, tree height and tree species.
Council discussed the possibility of planting larger diameter trees. Staff will investigate tree size,
Work Session Minutes
January 14, 2014
Page 2
cost and survivability rate of larger trees. Mr. Jeff Mock, 201 West Park Road, expressed
concern regarding the 1'/2 foot drop of the pond level. Staff will continue to investigate the pond
level issue. Mr. Stadler updated Council that WSB is checking with the DNR whether sediment
build up can be removed from the pond. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the storm water
management plan for the area. Council suggested that a general discussion regarding water
management with all parties involved might be beneficial.
Financial Strategy Plan
Ms. Harkess and Ms. Kvilvang discussed with Council the updates to the Financial Management
Plan.
Ms. Kvilvang reviewed the changes in the plan, which included adding $6.3 million in street
projects in 2014 and 2015 and pushing out the positive fund balance at Hopkins Center for the
Arts to 2021. Ms. Kvilvang reviewed the general fund budget and the refinements made to the
plan in order to reduce the tax impact. The changes included lowering the annual debt levy for
various bonds and adjusting the annual levy of the PIR fund, arts fund and capital fund. These
changes reduced the annual tax impact to an average market value home by $40 to $100 in 2015.
Ms. Kvilvang reviewed the projected impact on the average value home and on various market
values and commercial properties. Ms. Harkess and Ms. Kvilvang explained that the plan is
projected out to the year 2023 and can be refined each year and that the plan accounts for
minimal gain in projected housing values and as market values improve and redevelopment
opportunities arise it will increase the tax base.
There was Council discussion regarding the impact of LGA and that the biggest impact to the
general fund budget is staff salaries. Council discussed the tax impact of past years. Staff will
update the Council on past year tax impacts. Council discussed ways to lower the annual tax
impact by holding off on street improvements and possible sponsorship opportunities of the Arts
Center.
Mr. Mornson discussed with Council that the Financial Management Plan takes into account all
street improvement projects, park improvements and equipment replacement needs. There was
discussion that franchise fees will be dedicated for park improvements.
There was much Council discussion regarding the downtown business district mill and overlay
street project. Council discussed the possibility that downtown businesses may be willing to pay
a portion of the project cost. Staff will investigate how to approach businesses regarding paying
for a portion of the downtown business district street improvements and will investigate what
other cities charge for mill and overlay projects. Council discussed the importance of public
information meetings and sharing the plan and vision of the downtown area.
Council discussed options of increasing revenues through sponsorships, rentals and grants.
Council likes the concept of the Financial Management Plan and stressed the importance of
educating and communicating the concept to the public. Council would like to see the average
tax impact held under $100.
Ms. Harkess discussed the next steps for the Financial Management Plan and that Ms. Kvilvang
will present the plan at a future City Council meeting.
Work Session Minutes
January 14, 2014
Page 3
Review Legislative Policy
Mr. Mornson reviewed with Council the changes and additions to the Legislative Policy. There
was discussion regarding the SWLRT Municipal Consent timeline, TwinWest support of
financial reporting and sales tax exclusion.
Other
• March 11, 2014 Work Session will be rescheduled to Wednesday, March 12 due to Empty
Bowls event.
• 2014 Goal Setting Meeting on Friday, January 17, 2014.
• Discussion of future Community Conversations.
• Council Member Youakim gave an update on the SWLRT Public Hearing in St. Louis Park
• SWLRT Community Works meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2014.
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2014.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Youakim and a
second by Council member Cummings to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
CITY COUNCIL
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk