1-27-2025CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a special meeting of the Hopkins Park Board was held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010 1st
Street South.
Chair Hanneman called the meeting to order with Vice Chair Lyksett and Members Boor, Flynn, Miller, Stiele, and Woodfill attending. Youth Member Johnson was absent. Others in attendance
included Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Imihy and Deputy City Clerk Baker.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Stiele Second by Woodfill
Motion to Adopt the Agenda.
Ayes: Boor, Flynn, Hanneman, Lyksett, Miller, Stiele, Woodfill
Nays: None. Motion carried.
COMMUNITY COMMENT
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Stiele Second by Miller
Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda.
Minutes of the December 9, 2024 Park Board Meeting
Ayes: Boor, Flynn, Hanneman, Lyksett, Miller, Stiele, Woodfill
Nays: None. Motion carried.
GENERAL PARK UPDATE
GENERAL BUSINESS
VI.1. Park Policy Working Group; Woodfill, Miller, Lyksett
Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Imihy summarized the changes agreed upon during the December meeting and provided a forecast of when the recommendation could be brought to City
Council. Member Stiele questioned whether instances of “intoxicating beverages” included those with a THC content and if uses of “alcohol” and “beer and wine” should also be amended.
Motion by Miller Second by Stiele
Motion to Recommend the City Council adopt changes to Chapter 32 of the Hopkins City Code.
Ayes: Boor, Flynn, Hanneman, Lyksett, Miller, Stiele, Woodfill
Nays: None. Motion carried.
VI.2. Upcoming Spring Event Planning; Imihy
Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Imihy reviewed the typical spring events that involve the Park Board, specifically a garlic mustard pull and the garden plot kickoff event. Member
Boor confirmed the need for a garlic mustard pull in 2025. The Park Board agreed to attend the garden plot kickoff in part to recruit volunteers for the garlic mustard event and set
a date of May 17. Members Flynn and Miller volunteered as leads for the events.
Member Boor questioned the involvement of Three Rivers Park District (TRPD) in trail maintenance. Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Imihy explained the history of the relationship
between TRPD and the Park Board and encouraged greater advocacy on the parts of Board members. Discussion took place over the possibility of more weekday events.
Chair Hanneman suggested the creation of an appreciation event for Adopt A Park participants. Chair Hanneman and Member Stiele volunteered as leads to plan it.
PARK AREA ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Buffer; Lyksett
Vice Chair Lyksett reported seeing many sledders earlier in the season.
Burnes; Flynn
Member Flynn reported that the ice rink is popular and noted that the warming house was not open on the warmer days when the rink seemed to be busier. Member Flynn also noted the appearance
of a well-used Little Free Library in the park. Member Flynn suggested a longer season for the reservation of picnic shelters with warming weather trends.
Central; Woodfill
Member Woodfill reported that all of the activity has been centered around the Pavilion and the outdoor rink.
Cottageville; Hanneman
Chair Hanneman reported that the park was exceptionally clean and that a new Little Free Library to replace the previously damaged one.
Downtown; Woodfill
Member Woodfill reported that the main use currently seems to be people cutting through the park to travel between 9th and 10th Avenues.
Elmo; Stiele
Member Stiele reported very little use of the park.
Harley Hopkins; Stiele
Member Stiele reported little use of this park as well.
Hilltop; Boor
Member Boor reported that the hill is popular with sledders despite the lack of snow and noted the appearance of an informal skating rink.
Interlachen; Hanneman
Chair Hanneman reported surprise in seeing the warming house open even with the rink in use, and posed questions about posted hours and who bears responsibility for staffing.
Maetzold; Miller
Member Miller reported no updates.
Oakes; Miller
Member Miller reported no updates.
Raspberry; Johnson
Youth Member Johnson was absent.
Shady Oak Beach; Boor
Member Boor reported Nine Mile Creek Watershed District’s plan for a rapid response treatment of aquatic invasive species found last summer.
Valley; Lyksett
Vice Chair Lyksett reported no updates.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Imihy provided a reminder about Kids’ Fest 2025 in Minnetonka and reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule, noting that the February meeting of
the Park Board is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26. Member Boor recounted a recent visit to the Activity Center and noted the large variety of activities and resources.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Park Board, and upon a motion by Stiele, second by Lyksett, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Baker, Deputy City Clerk