08-13-2014 WSPage 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
City Hall Raspberry Room— 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Jason Gadd, Kristi Halverson and Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Mornson,
Director of Economic Development and Planning Kersten Elverum, Assistant City Manager Jim
Genellie, Finance Director Christine Harkess, City Engineer Nate Stanley, Public Works Director
Steve Stadler and Bolten & Menk, Inc. representatives Mike Waltman, Sam Kessel and Marcus
Thomas.
New Business•
Artery Update
Ms. Elverum gave an introduction of the Artery Project Development Site Plan. Ms. Elverum gave an
overview of the Art Summit community vision and the preliminary plans. The plans are a necessary
part of the grant application process. Ms. Elverum commented that the process is in the beginning
stages of community engagement and that the site design features are based on the limited right of
way along the 8t�' Avenue corridor. Ms. Elverum gave an overview of why development of the g`n
Avenue "Artery" would benefit the Hopkins community. The Artery would help to direct SW LRT
riders to downtown Hopkins, develop an extension of Mainstreet to the major transportation
connections and create a community attraction through special events and unique features. Ms.
Elverum discussed the long term benefits of the project including being a catalyst for redevelopment,
a place to showcase art, history & community events and be a safe, physical link between the light rail
station and downtown. Ms. Elverum gave an overview of funding, grant monies, status of grant
applications and partnerships. Ms. Elverum commented that a commitment of partnerships with
Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County, Met Council and Metro Transit are important for
cooperative development of the project. The plans are preliminary and many issues still need to be
addressed.
Mr. Stanley gave an overview of the technical aspects of the plan. Mr. Stanley discussed the options
for traffic flow, utilities and storm water management while incorporating public art into the plans.
Mr. Stanley discussed alternative traffic configurations along 8`� Avenue. A proposed option is to
close 2°d Street South at 8r�' Avenue to improve safety. A traffic study results indicated it would be
beneficial to have alternative of a right-in right-out access from Excelsior Blvd. The improvements
would improve pedestrian crossing safety at 8'�' Ave and Excelsior. The Hopkins Police Department
would like an improved solution for traffic and pedestrian safety in this area. Mr. Stanley reviewed six
different intersections and traffic flow alternative configurations. The preferred option has one-way
northbound traffic at 15` Street S and 8rh Avenue S. The plan would allow for parking ramp access and
additional space for pedestrian and cycle traffic as well as public art. Mr. Stanley showed a
preliminary cross section for the Artery.
Bolten & Menk, Inc. representatives discussed the major elements of the plan including the amenity
areas, filtration system, driving and parking lanes, gateway, cycle track, decorative street closure
system, decorative elements, performance area and vision for redevelopment of the Johnson building.
Mr. Waltman commented that the plan includes proposed bus routes and stops. Mr. Waltman
discussed the importance of a design that takes into consideration maintenance practices,
programming, events and future redevelopment standards.
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Mr. Stanley discussed the public engagement process with a tentative public open house scheduled for
early September.
There was much Council discussion regarding the importance of neighborhood meetings and concern
of event competition with other Hopkins amenities. Ms. Elverum commented that the event area
should in cooperation with other spaces in Hopkins and would be sized for larger crowds and
electrical usages. Way finding signs would be utilized to direct the community to other areas in
Hopkins. Council discussed the opportunity to tell the history of Hopkins through the public art.
Council discussed the timing of the proposed project stressing that back-to-back construction projects
should be avoided to further disrupt Mainstreet businesses. Council stressed the importance of
communicating with the Mainstreet and area businesses. There was Council discussion regarding the
$2.5-$2.7 million dollar cost of the project. Ms. Elverum discussed the Livable Community Grant
application as well as opportunities for additional grant monies, storm sewer funds and partnerships to
assist in funding the project. Council discussed the concern about access to area business and the
importance of a plan that addresses the long term needs, maintenance and uses in different seasons.
Council discussed the aggressive timetable and plan options if the S W LRT plans change. Ms.
Elverum discussed that staff would continue to explore ways to make 8th Avenue a gateway to
downtown and it would be beneficial to time the redevelopment of the Johnson building and the
roadway.
Council suggested that the staff move the public open house meeting back and update the area
businesses prior to the public meeting. Council discussed the importance of traffic flow to area
businesses and not redirecting traffic into the residential area. Mr. Stanley stated that more traffic
investigation is needed.
Mr. Stadler discussed the importance of increased pedestrian safety across Excelsior Blvd and the
need for a sustainable project.
Mr. Stanley commented that staff will schedule individual meetings with area businesses and schedule
a public meeting for October. Staff will work on the schedule and keep the Council updated.
E-Cigarettes Moratorium Discussion
Mr. Genellie discussed with Council the E- Cigarette moratorium ordinance adopted on October 24,
2013. The moratorium on new tobacco licenses allowed staff and Council to take a look of use of
vaping and how it should be controlled or regulated. Mr. Genellie discussed the Minnesota state laws
regarding E-Cigarettes and that E-Cigarette use is prohibited in public places. The City Attorney has
evaluated the ordinance and is recommending that the ordinance needs to be amended to clarify to
allow or prohibit vaping in establishments. Mr. Genellie discussed the possibility that allowing vaping
in establishments that may increase number of retailers and prohibiting sampling at all establishments
that sell tobacco could be confusing for establishments that do not have a tobacco license and cause
enforcement issues. Staff and the City Attorney have discussed the possibility of "grandfathering" all
existing tobacco licensees. Mr. Genellie gave examples of businesses that have been grandfathered in
under different ordinances.
There was Council discussion regarding the possibility of limiting the number of vaping licenses and
tobacco only zoning options such as a distance for sensitive use and future establishments only
allowed in the B-1 district. Staff will discuss the limit of establishments and zoning options with the
City Attorney. There was Council discussion regarding the definition of sampling. Staff will have the
City Attorney investigate the definition of sampling. Council would also like to define the difference
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between a stand-alone vaping studio vs. an establishment with tobacco sales. Mr. Genellie commented
that the vaping studio business owner welcome reasonable regulation and that staff will continue to
investigate the direction that other cities are taking. Staff will investigate and bring the E-Cigarette
discussion back to Council at the end of September.
Review 2015 Budget
Ms. Harkess gave an overview of the preliminary 2015 General Fund budget and levy prepared using
the Financial Management Plan (FMP). Ms. Harkess explained that the city will be receiving
$388,602 in LGA, an increase of $98,702. Ms. Harkess discussed the options for using the LGA funds
but the City must be prepared not to receive LGA funds in the future. Ms. Harkess explained Police
and Fire aid increase, that the proposed General Fund budget increase is 3.66% and that the levy is in
line with the FMP. Ms. Harkess explained 2015 budget impacts including salary adjustments, health
insurance, COPS grant completion and negotiation of five union contracts.
Ms. Harkess presented an analysis of the 2015 General Fund expenditure & revenue budget,
explanation of the increases and decreases from the 2014 budget and breakdown by department. The
2015 Tax Levy is impacted by the addition of the Arts Center and the Pavilion per the FMP. Ms.
Harkess explained the tax impact on an average home ($225K). The FMP ariginally scheduled an$89
increase but the proposed tax increase is $78 on an average home. Ms. Harkess explained that the
budget and levy provides the City of Hopkins with funding for road projects, reducing the Arts Center
deficit, funding Pavilion operations, debt service requirements and general city operations.
There was Council discussion regarding the importance of educating the public regarding the 2015
General Fund budget and levy and highlighting the FMP and long term goals. Staff will be creating
an article for the October Hopkins Highlights, Hopkins Connections and posting information on the
city website. Ms. Harkess reviewed the budget presentation timeline with a presentation at the
September Council meeting and adoption of the budget scheduled for December. Council suggested
that the staff look at the general fund increase and fine tune department budgets to try and reduce the
increase below 3.66%.
Ms. Harkess discussed with Council the change of policy regarding implementing an interest charge
for past due and late billings. Staff is suggesting an 18% per year or 1.5% per month interest charge.
The policy change will be presented at the September City Council meeting.
Other:
• Discussion of the Hockey Association's proposal for a new facility. Council stressed the need for
more evaluation of the financing structure, partnerships and ongoing operations.
• Gethsemane Lutheran Church's is hosting a Community Conversation regarding guns and violence
on Wednesday, August 20, 7 pm.
• Discussion of a foreclosed home at 130-7`�' Ave N with unmaintained lawn. Staff will investigate.
• Council Member Youakim may miss the October 7`h City Council meeting. She will keep the staff
and Council notified.
• Discussion of a proposal regarding criteria for releasing of the contingency funds for SWLRT.
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• Council Member Halverson commented that tree branches have been removed on the bike trail south
of Blake Road and discussed additional signage on bike trail. Staff is investigating the signage.
• The tenants in the duplex on Blake Road are scheduled to move out Monday, August 18`" and
demolition start as soon as possible.
• Discussion regarding Cottageville Park and the funding needed to get the park renovation completed
at one time rather than in phases. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is re-bidding
the project.
• Met Council will be closing on the property purchased for the new lift station.
• A CUP amendment for hours of operation at the day care on Blake Road will be coming before
Council.
• The MPCA would like to rezone landfill from T-1 to closed landfill.
• Discussion of building site opportunities and possible site acquisition of the Johnson Building.
• Discussion of building materials that piled up at a house on 14t� Avenue North.
• Discussion of an unmaintained native plant yard. Staff will re-inspect.
• Discussion of the application, interview process and timetable to reappoint a Council position. Staff
will review the charter and keep the Council informed.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Youakim and a second by
Council member Gadd to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Eugene . Ma ell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk