03-15-2016 Work Session after Council Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 7:57 p.m. Council Members and staff present at
meeting included the following:
x Mayor Cummings x Planning and Development Dir. Elverum
x Council Member Kuznia x Public Housing Manager Unowsky
x Council Member Halverson x Public Works Director Stadler
x Council Member Gadd
x Council Member Campbell
x City Manager Mornson
The following updates were provided at the meeting:
Community Development:
Public Housing Manager Unowsky gave an overview of the Dow Towers smoking policy and
outdoor smoking area. Ms. Unowsky explained that staff is expecting a final ruling in 2016 from
the Federal Government regarding smoking in public housing buildings. Dow Towers inside
spaces are currently non-smoking. The requirement may include a 25-foot outside distance
requirement that could be a challenge for Dow Towers.
Mayor Cummings commented that an area homeowner has expressed concern regarding the
location of the current outdoor smoking area.
Ms. Unowsky explained the challenges regarding financing, relocating or enhancing the outdoor
smoking area. The current smoking area is located on the southwest corner of the building in a
small, sloped area with buried utilities. The area was previously screened with large potted
arborvitaes that have since died. Ms. Unowsky commented that she is not allowed to use federal
funds to enhance smoking areas and that due to a parking shortage there is no area in the parking
lot to relocate the smoking area.
Council discussed the location of the smoking area and screening options. Ms. Unowsky
commented that the current smoking area is located next to the first floor community space not
apartments. Council commented that they have made a commitment to the area neighbors to
provide screening for the outdoor smoking area and would like Dow Towers staff to continue to
investigate options to screen the outdoor smoking area, dumpster and Dow Towers vehicle. Ms.
Unowsky will investigate pricing, discuss fencing options with Public Works Director Stadler
and have the buried utilities marked. Planning and Development Director Elverum commented
that the Economic Development budget could fund the screening.
Ms. Unowsky will keep the Council updated on the screening of the smoking area and any
changes to the Federal Government smoking policy.
Administration
Assistant City Manager Genellie discussed the history of the Charter Commission. Mr. Genellie
reviewed the proposed community notification and application process and will have the City
Attorney review the information. Mr. Genellie will keep the Council updated.
Community Development
Planning and Development Director Elverum discussed options for use of Community
Development funds:
1. Additional Parking Space
Ms. Elverum discussed Lot 700 as a potential redevelopment site and creation of
additional parking. The site would require the acquisition of adjoining properties to
satisfy the growing demand for parking in the downtown area. Council commented that
possible future redevelopment could recoup costs. Council commented that is it worth
discussing the possible property acquisition with the homeowners. Ms. Elverum
commented that staff would not consider forcing a sale or unreasonable prices.
2. Hotel Development
Ms. Elverum provided an overview of the interest in hotel development in Hopkins. Ms.
Elverum explained that the Grandstay Hotel chain has expressed interest in locating in
downtown Hopkins. A possible site is the Lohman property(Little Blind Spot). Ms.
Elverum commented that public subsidy may be required to locate a hotel in the
downtown area. Staff will discuss funding options with Ehlers, Inc. City Manager
Mornson commented that surrounding cities are building hotels and that may affect
Hopkins ability to get a hotel. Council discussed that Grandstay Hotels build nice looking
facilities and a location in Hopkins at the Elks or Lohmen sites is worth exploring further.
Ms. Elverum commented that the Mainstreet Awesome Task Force is looking for members.
Council Members can send possible names to Ms. Elverum.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler gave an overview of the painting of the two water tanks and
proposed graphics. Mr. Stadler discussed the project timeline and costs and explained that the
water tanks are painted every 10-15 years. Council consensus was that they liked the proposed
graphics.
City Council:
Council Member Campbell asked about bee keeping guidelines. Mrl Morrison will
investigate further and update Council.
Council Member Campbell will be attending the Blake Road Corridor Collaborative (BRCC)
Cooking with Friends event.
Council Members Gadd and Campbell attended the Elected Officials Racial Equity meeting.
The next Racial Equity meeting is on May 18 at Hopkins Center for the Arts.
Council Member Halverson will be attending the SWLRT meeting on Thursday, March 17 at
1:30 pm.
Council Member Kuznia gave an overview of the GEARS Committee meeting.
Mayor Cummings commented that the Streetz restaurant is closed.
Discussion of the League of Cities Conference sessions and opportunity to meet and interact
with other City Council Members.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson discussed upcoming League of Cities Conferences and possible
attendance options.
City Engineer will update the Council on the budget for Mill and Overlay street projects.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the Hopkins VFW Parking Lot repaving with
Community Works funds and completion of the Shady Oak Road and landscape project.
A joint meeting with the Hopkins School Board and Hopkins City Council is scheduled for
April 26 at Eisenhower Community Center.
City Manager Mornson updated the Council on the Mainstreet Facade Project.
Discussion of possible restaurants locating into the Jack Yee site.
Community Development Coordinator Beekman acquired a $30,000 grant for Mainstreet
Business Consulting.
County Commissioner Callison will present the State of the County on May 19 at Hopkins
Center for the Arts. Department heads and city staff would be encouraged to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, seconded by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Molly Cufmings, Mayor
Amy Domeier, City Clerk