IV.2. Minutes of the November 13, 2018 City Council Work Session Proceedings
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 13, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room
at City Hall, 1010 First Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Member Gadd, Halverson
and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance Director
Bishop, City Clerk Domeier, Assistant City Manager Lenz and Public Works Director
Stadler.
CITY HALL PROJECT UPDATE
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Jason Rentmeester,
Kraus-Anderson Construction and Melissa Stein, Wold Architects & Engineers. Ms.
Stein gave an update on the City Hall project showing images of the exterior and interior
concepts. Ms. Stein discussed the exterior project objectives that include an updated
front entry, outdoor art plaza and preservation of green spaces. Ms. Lenz explained that
the removal of the exterior center front staircase would encourage pedestrians to use
the crosswalks. Mayor Cummings asked about ADA access signage, art installations
and seating on the plaza. Ms. Stein commented that more wayfinding signage could be
added. Ms. Lenz explained that the Public Art Committee suggested higher profile
artwork that would be displayed for a 3-5 year term and that the use of movable seating
and planters would highlight the art. Ms. Stein commented that the plaza size would be
slightly larger than the current plaza and would be a flexible use space.
Ms. Stein discussed the proposed interior spaces including the maximized daylighting,
information counter, security measures, public information display areas and technology
upgrades. Ms. Stein commented that the employee break room would move upstairs
and incorporate an outside patio dining and meeting space.
Mr. Rentmeester discussed the overall project budget. There was discussion about the
budget estimates. Ms. Lenz commented on the additions to the scope of the project.
Council Member Gadd commented that the City Council chamber technology upgrades
would be funded through the communication fund. Council Member Kuznia commented
on the great improvements to the front entrance. Ms. Lenz discussed the 10%
contingency and that the goal would be to keep the contingency as low as possible. Mr.
Rentmeester commented that tariffs could have an impact on construction projects but
there has been good feedback from contractors regarding the project. Mayor Cummings
asked about the bid environment. Mr. Rentmeester explained the bidding process. Ms.
Stein reviewed the project timeline with construction scheduled from February to July
2019.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 13, 2018
2019-2023 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN (ERP), 2019-2023 CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) AND 2019 ENTERPRISE AND SPECIAL REVENUE
FUND BUDGETS
Finance Director Bishop gave an overview of the 2019 -2023 Equipment Replacement
Plan (ERP), a 5-year plan that is updated annually and included in the Financial
Management Plan (FMP). Mr. Bishop gave an overview of the funding sources and
what is included in the 2019 ERP. There was discussion regarding the age of
equipment and leasing of vehicles. Mr. Mornson asked about issuance of an Equipment
Certificate. Mr. Bishop commented that an Equipment Certificate was issued in 2018
and there is no plan to issue another one for a few years.
Finance Director Bishop gave an overview of the 2019 -2023 Capitol Improvement Plan
(CIP), a 5-year plan that is updated annually and included in the Financial Management
Plan (FMP). Mayor Cummings asked about Park Dedication fees. Mr. Bishop explained
that the fees are negotiated as part of a development project and the budgeted amount
of dedication fees could change. Mr. Bishop discussed the Park Improvement Fund,
what it pays for and how it is funded. Mr. Bishop explained that part of the Burnes Park
improvements were paid for with the General Fund tax levy. Mr. Bishop gave an
explanation of how revenue sources could be used and how to pay down the debt. Mr.
Bishop explained that no other park improvements are funded by the General Fund.
Public Works Director Stadler commented that it is important that the Park Board know
the amount of funds they have to work with for park improvements. There was
discussion regarding possible adjustments to future park projects depending on the
funding. Mr. Bishop explained how the CIP is funded and CIP projects in 2019.
Finance Director Bishop gave an overview of the 2018 Enterprise and Special Revenue
Funds revenues, expenditures and projected fund balances. Mr. Bishop discussed the
water fund estimated consumption and that the finance dept. would work to get the
estimated numbers closer to the actual. Mr. Bishop discussed the Pavilion fund and
commented that future levy support may be needed for the debt. There was discussion
regarding reducing the Arts Center’s deficit and their need to rely on a more stable
funding source in the future. Mr. Bishop discussed the Depot Coffee House youth and
coffee operations and unknown effects of the future SWLRT construction. Staff has
requested additional funding from the Depot partners.
Mr. Bishop discussed the 2019 Residential Property Truth and Taxation statements and
percentage changes. Mayor Cummings commented on the need to look at more
accurate model of the medium value home in Hopkins. There was discussion regarding
the home value increase and explanation to residents.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 13, 2018
Administration
Assistant City Manager Lenz discussed 2019 Hennepin County Human Services budget
cuts and the significant implications to Hopkins. Ms. Lenz commented that the Blake
Road Corridor Collaborative (BRCC) met with staff asking for partial funding. Staff
suggested that the BRCC apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds that are administered by Hennepin County. Council discussed the request and the
consensus is that the BRCC needs to look for other funding resources. Ms. Lenz would
update the BRCC.
Ms. Lenz gave the Council an update regarding the Community Engagement meeting
and commented that a future meeting date would be scheduled on a Friday in January.
Ms. Lenz commented that City Council meetings would not be televised during the City
Hall construction. Mayor Cummings suggested airing the recently produced Historical
Society video on the government cable channel.
UPDATES
Council Member Kuznia is unable to attend the ReScape Awards.
Council Member Kuznia and Council Member Gadd would attend the American
Public Works Association award program on Friday, November 16.
Council Member Gadd would attend the ReScape Awards on Thursday, November
15.
Council Member Gadd would be unavailable to attend the Hopkins employee
recognition but sends his regards.
Council Member Gadd would like to continue the discussion of diversity on boards
and commissions at the December Work Session.
City Manager Mornson gave the following update:
The Employee Recognition is on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
___________________________ ____________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk