06-09-2015 Work Session HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 9, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at City Hall, 1010 First Street
South, Hopkins.
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order with Council Member Cummings, Gadd, Halverson
and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, City Clerk Domeier,
Assistant City Manager Genellie and Public Works Director Stadler.
FOOD TRUCK DISCUSSION
City Clerk Domeier provided information about food trucks in the City of Hopkins. Currently
food trucks are part of special events. Staff has received requests for food trucks to operate at
various business, private and public events held at various city locations and parks. Ms. Domeier
discussed different possible options including allowing food trucks at special events, in select
locations, controlling hours of operation and length of time. Staff would develop requirements
based upon Council feedback.
Assistant City Manager Genellie explained that currently food trucks are not allowed under the
zoning code and that developing requirements would clarify and formalize permitted uses.
There was Council discussion regarding controlling food truck location, length of time, hours of
operation, restricting public locations and requiring a permit for private events. There was
discussion about the difference between a food truck and a catered event. Staff will investigate
commissary licensing requirements for caterers. Currently the city does not have knowledge of
food truck events and the permit would require proof of licensing.
Ms. Domeier explained that other local cities with food truck ordinances have designated certain
areas where food trucks could be located. Ms. Domeier discussed that studies show that food
trucks mostly effect casual, fast food restaurants rather than sit-down restaurants.
Council consensus was for staff to draft a food truck policy with options. Options to the policy
could include food truck location, hours of operation, number of days, distance requirement from
area restaurants, not conflicting with area organization fundraisers, permits for private events and
restricting food trucks in residential areas. Staff and Council will continue to evaluate the options
and gather feedback from area restaurants. Staff will draft an ordinance with options for Council
to review at a future Work Session.
COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDEN (CSG) PROGRAM UPDATE
Public Works Director Stadler gave an update on the Community Solar Garden Program. Mr.
Stadler summarized the three proposals from SolarCity, SunShare and SunEdison. Mr. Stadler
also discussed the Metropolitan Council proposal and Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
legislation. Mr. Stadler reviewed the CSG proposals, estimated & cumulative energy savings,
purchase rate options and length of term for the agreements. Mr. Stadler discussed the Met
Council program unknowns, lottery program and complicated billing. Mr. Stadler's
recommendation is the SunEdison proposal.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 9, 2015
There was Council discussion regarding future Xcel Energy rate increases, solar garden location,
subscription agreement & penalties and length of the terms. Mr. Stadler commented that twelve
solar gardens are proposed adjacent to Hennepin County and subscribers have already signed up.
Mr. Stadler will communicate with SunEdison regarding terms for a 15-year contract and staff
will have the City Attorney review the agreement. There was Council discussion regarding
energy efficiency of public buildings and energy savings. Staff continues to look at ways to
improve energy efficiency of public buildings and areas and the energy savings could benefit the
general fund.
Council consensus was to select SunEdison. Council would like staff to investigate the rate for a
shorter term and have the City Attorney review the agreement.
UPDATES
•Council Member Cummings discussed civic group fund raising involvement to build a pavilion
at the redeveloped Cottageville Park. Public Works Director Stadler discussed that the pavilion
was a result of the neighborhood survey and need for a community gathering space. Staff will
keep the Council updated on the pavilion design process and plans.
•Council Member Halverson discussed need for Police Department presence at Central Park in
the evening hours.
•Council Member Kuznia commented that the Blake School fieldwork has begun.
•Council Member Gadd gave an update on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT)budget
options and the effects on Hopkins. Staff and committee members will keep the Council
updated.
•Council Member Cummings discussed the SWLRT Open House on June 16, 5 pm at Hopkins
Center for the Arts and that Will Steger is speaking at the free community forum, "Eyewitness
to Global Warming" at Gethsemane Lutheran on June 17, 7 pm. Council Member Cummings
also discussed neighborhood concerns and police calls to a home on 11t Avenue N.
•City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the following items:
o Discussion of resident comments concerning the renaming of Cottageville Park.
o Powell Road will be closed for approximately three weeks for a storm sewer
project.
o There was discussion regarding conversations between the Elks Club and a
potential hotel developer.
o NAPA Auto Parts has plans to expand their building.
o Curry n' Noodles restaurant continues to work on building renovations.
o Pub 819 is discussing hosting a festival in Hopkins.
o A movie production company has approached the Hopkins Police Department
involvement in a film in exchange for a donation to the Crime Fund.
o Update on submission of a grant application.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 9, 2015
•Mayor Maxwell discussed a possible Mainstreet Ribbon Cutting Ceremony after the
completion of the road reconstruction project.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by Gadd,
second by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold, Recording Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS
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Eugene` J. lYIaxwell, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk