09-16-2025 City Council MeetingHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
1010 1st Street South.
Mayor Hanlon called the meeting to order with Council Members Garrido, Goodlund,
Hunke and Kuznia attending. Others attending included City Manager Mornson, Assistant
City Manager Casella, City Clerk Domeier, Finance Director Bishop, Police Chief Johnson
and City Attorney Riggs.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Hunke. Second by Garrido.
Motion to Adopt the Agenda.
Ayes: Garrido, Goodlund, Hanlon, Hunke, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
III.1. Introduction and Oath of Office for Police Officer; Johnson/Domeier
Police Chief Johnson introduced Police Officer Timothy Schweiger and City Clerk
Domeier issued the oath of office.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hunke. Second by Kuznia.
Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval of Minutes of September 2, 2025, Regular Meeting Proceedings;
Domeier
2. Approval of Minutes of September 2, 2025, Closed Meeting Proceedings;
Domeier
3. Approval of Agreement with Trellis Management Co regarding Snow Removal
at the Activity Center; Anderson
4. Approval of Special Assessment Deferral Requests, 232 13th Avenue N, PID
24-117-22-23-0079; 309 12th Avenue N, PID 24-117-22-24-0119; 2024-010
Street Improvement Project; Bishop
5. Resolution Authorizing Staff to Submit an Application for a Hennepin County
Youth Play Spaces Grant for the Replacement of Play Equipment at Central
Park and Execute an Agreement; Imihy
Ayes: Garrido, Goodlund, Hanlon, Hunke, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
VII.1. Resolution Approving the Proposed 2026 Tax Levy, Setting Debt Service
Levels at Amounts Under Those Required in the Bond Documents, Approving the
Proposed 2026 Budget and Setting the Budget Meeting Date; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop summarized City Council Report 2025-138. The City is required
to certify a proposed tax levy and submit it to Hennepin County by September 30. This
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
will be the maximum levy for 2026 and can only be reduced. The certified levy amount is
also used for truth in taxation notices. The proposed date of Monday, December 1st would
allow time to consider comments heard at the public hearing before passing the final tax
levy and budget.
Mayor Hanlon explained that the preliminary levy increase is driven by the need for more
public safety personnel due to Hopkins' growth. He also requested more details about the
use of the trash, economic development, and water funds.
Council Member Kuznia echoed these concerns and cautioned against using the water
fund or delaying investments in equipment and capital improvements.
Council Member Garrido supported the public safety investments but raised concerns
about proposed cuts to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. She advocated
for a compromise on City Council travel and training expenses.
Mr. Bishop noted conflicting information regarding the travel and training budget.
Alternatives were suggested and will be discussed at upcoming meeting.
Council Member Goodlund supported reducing travel and training expenses and the
climate solutions fund, challenged the Council and staff to propose a new budget model
in January, and stated he would vote "no" on the preliminary levy.
Council Member Hunke emphasized that the budget increase is primarily for public safety,
while noting that $1.6 million in equipment and capital projects would be deferred. He
warned of potential negative impacts on city services and employee morale from d elaying
these investments.
The Council also discussed Hopkins' long-term infrastructure investments, franchise fees,
and reducing debt. Future discussions will be held about the various City funds.
Motion by Hunke. Second by Kuznia.
Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-052 Approving the Proposed 2026 Tax Levy,
Setting Debt Service Levels at Amounts Under Those Required in the Bond
Documents, Approving the Proposed 2026 Budget and Setting the Budget Meeting
Date.
Ayes: Garrido, Goodlund, Hanlon, Hunke, Kuznia
Nays: Motion carried.
After the motion was made and all voted in favor, Council Member Goodlund realized he
made a mistake in his voting and asked to have his vote changed to no. City Clerk
Domeier asked that a new motion be made to remedy the mistake. Mayor Hanlon directed
Ms. Domeier to do a roll call vote on the motion.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
Motion by Hunke. Second by Kuznia.
Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-052 Approving the Proposed 2026 Tax Levy,
Setting Debt Service Levels at Amounts Under Those Required in the Bond
Documents, Approving the Proposed 2026 Budget and Setting the Budget Meeting
Date.
Ayes: Garrido, Hanlon, Hunke, Kuznia
Nays: Goodlund. Motion carried.
VII.2. Resolution Approving the Proposed 2026 HRA/EDA Tax Levy; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop summarized City Council Report 2025-139. The City is required
to certify a proposed HRA/EDA tax levy and submit it to Hennepin County by September
30. There are levy limits based on 0.1850% of the City’s estimated market value. The
market value used for the 2026 levy is $2,974,091,600, resulting in a maximum tax levy
of $551,750 which would be an increase of $40,104 or 7.84% from 2025.
Council Member Hunke supported the proposed tax levy that supports important and
critical programs in Hopkins.
Motion by Kuznia. Second by Hunke.
Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-053 Approving the Proposed 2026 HRA/EDA
Tax Levy.
Ayes: Garrido, Goodlund, Hanlon, Hunke, Kuznia
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
William Anderson, 102 Wayside Road West, Hopkins, shared his concerns about the
budget.
Lynn Bialick, 320 5th Ave. North, Hopkins, questioned the open meeting law and shared
concerns about a gas line replacement by Cassia on 5th Ave. N.
Stephen Seward, 130 Harrison Avenue South, Hopkins, shared his concerns about the
budget.
Billee Kraut, 140 11th Ave. North, Hopkins, shared that construction on her street has
gone very well with great communication from Bolton and Menk.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Hanlon shared the City Council meeting schedule and Council Members shared
community events.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, and upon motion by
Goodlund, second by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk