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05-27-03 WSMay 27, 2003 Page 1 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -May 27, 2003 A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwell at 6:30 p.m. on May 27, 2003, at the City Hall. Council members Brausen, Jensen, Johnson and Rowan were present. City personnel present were: City Manager Steve Mielke, Public Works Director Steve Stadler and Finance Director Lori Yager. Hobby Acres/Campbell traffic study report Mr. Stadler said he had a good discussion with the 14 people who attended the neighborhood session. General consensus of the group was to put edge and centerlines at two intersections; city staff would look at the Wayside/Farmdale intersection; support for an informational flyer as much of the problem is from area residents; school bus drivers need to slow down. Stop sign supporters agreed to see if the striping of the intersection works in the coming year as they realize there is some area opposition to 9 stop signs. Long-term residents said they have had no problems as pedestrians. Staff recommends implementing their suggestions and installing two yield signs. Several Council members commented on the low traffic figures. Ms. Jensen said pedestrian traffic had been a main issue at first; Mr. Stadler said the striping was for that purpose. Ms. Johnson asked how many of the original speed committee was of the meeting; Mr. Stadler said that he had no way to determine that as 95% of the residents signed the first petition. Mr. Brausen asked about the possibility of the city posting some "slow down in our neighborhood" signs, with the possibility of rotating them through other areas. Mr. Stadler said the posting should be handled through neighborhood associations. General Consensus was that Council would take official action next week. Mr. Stadler will call Mr. Gullickson and Mr. Owens and will send a neighborhood letter out about the striping. A later letter will stress, "please slow down," etc. Mr. Stadler will price "slow down in our neighborhood" signs. Possible Moratorium Mr. Mielke said Council had asked about 35' lots. He and Planning Director Anderson, who was at a Z&P Commission meeting, have worked out a possible moratorium ordinance. He distributed a map showing the subdivision where 7 areas of under 40' lots exist. Most have existing buildings on them; some have buildings straddling two lots. The city attorney thinks it may be legal to pass an ordinance not allowing owners to tear down buildings that are on two lots and then building a house on each lot, but he wants to study it further. The city cannot forbid building on 35' lots. A 19' wide house does not need variances for setback. He has talked to the state official in charge of inspection of engineered (modular) homes. They are built under state building codes, the same as on-site homes. Hopkins' inspector could inspect how they are bolted together on-site but the city cannot supersede state building codes. He suggested a moratorium on building on "less than 40 ft." lots while Council studies the issue. Answering Mr. Brausen he said it could be for a year, and then renewed if needed. It would, however, have to be in place before any requests to build on such lots. Mayor Maxwell commented the city could charge inspection fees. He added his concern is that if lots get more houses it will change the neighborhoods. General Consensus was the ordinance language should read "less than 40 feet" rather than "40 feet or less . " May 27, 2003 Page 2 Action: Ms. Jensen moved to adopt the first reading of an interim ordinance for the purpose of a moratorium on construction of homes on residential lots narrower than 40 feet. Mr. Brausen seconded. Approved 5-0. Budget Discussion Ms. Yager noted that Hopkins gets to keep its market value credit and the $50,000 for the Art Center. The city will lose $1.1 million of aid. Mr. Mielke distributed material from the League of Minnesota Cities on the tax compromise and how it affects various cities. Hopkins is in the hardest-hit group. Next year a new formula for LGA goes in effect and Hopkins will lose all its aid. The legislature will let cities levy back 60 % of the cut, which would be $660,000 levy for Hopkins. In 2005 there will be no levy limits. There can be no reverse referendum in 2005. Special levies have no restriction. While the Council could simply raise the levy rate to make up losses from state aid, staff feels the public would not stand for it. He said legislator Abrams had worked hard to keep the $50,000 for the Arts Center in. General consensus by all was the Council could not just raise levies to regain what has been lost but needed to continue to see how many cuts were possible to help residents. Ms. Yager said the 2003 budget needs action by July. Ms. Jensen asked if the Art Coordinator and Communication Coordinator jobs could be combined. Mr. Mielke said they take different talents, but it might be possible with time split 3/4 to the Art Center and 1/4 to the newsletter editorship. Ms. Yager commented it was a goad idea. Mr. Mielke said 11 people are ready to retire. $150,000 is already set aside for the normal ___. severance packages. Lay-offs for the same number would cost $118,000 in unemployment benefits. Staff is looking at "non-police and all general fund only" retirement incentives to encourage the 11 eligible employees to retire and thus reduce lay-offs . General Consensus was the 2003 budget would get finished June 17. Ms. Yager will get her list of recommended cuts to the Council next week. Mr. Mielke said staff has looked at possible revenues: $660,000 levy, with the 60% recapture; $900,000 utility fees at 5% level; $150,000 for $3 street light fees; $25,000 sidewalk assessments. What is needed, when the temporary usage of equipment replacement fund and construction aid monies are removed, is $740,000. Mr. Rowan commented the utility fees are "looking better." The June 17 meeting with past leaders will start at 5:30 with dinner and a meeting from 6:00 to 7:30. General Consensus was the purpose would be to show "real" budget deficit of $ l . l million, the first time such a cut has been necessary in Hopkins' history; to show the cuts start now, not next year; to show attendees the Council looks on them as a resource for advice. In the invitation letter the agenda should be: outlining the problem for 2003 and 2004; identifying the plans for 2003; identifying 2004 options, both budget cuts and finding revenues; asking how they would approach other Hopkins residents. Mayor Maxwell on behalf of the Council should sign the letter. A summarized 2003 budget and the MN League figures showing the city's loss should be included. Department heads should attend to answer questions. Joint Dispatch Mr. Mielke said St. Louis Park is trying to determine interest in a joint dispatch center. Hopkins will have to order its new equipment shortly; it cannot wait for this center. However, there may be May 27, 2003 Page 3 future benefits in the idea. Answering Mr. Brausen he said the new equipment expected life span is 10 years. Mr. Mielke commented Hopkins is joining the county radio system. There was general discussion. General Consensus was that if Hopkins' share for the study would not exceed $5,000 the Council would be interested in looking into helping with the preliminary study to see if such a center is feasible. Mr. Mielke will report back to Council. Other Ms. Jensen said she is concerned the levy for lease between the school district and the Depot may be jeopardized, as Kathleen has not been on site for two of the student meetings. She also commented that in 2 1/z hours 30-40 people had stopped on Memorial Day while it was closed. Ms. Johnson commented the hours seem to be sporadic. Mr. Brausen commented the event at the Art Center Thursday had impressed him. Mayor Maxwell asked about the policy on trucks parking on streets. Mr. Rowan said he would be gone July 22. Mr. Mielke updated Council on the Pavilion. He will be updated Tuesday by Jay and Don on the acoustics. The school board will look at the issue next week. The school superintendent has asked him if Hopkins would up its contribution to $75,000 to cover the elevator. The school still would build the other rooms but they are facing limits on the levy for lease. Some building would take place the second year, including bathrooms. Ms. Johnson asked why Hopkins couldn't carry the bathrooms until the school gets the second levy. Mr. Mielke will check. General Consensus: The $75,000 is acceptable. First source should be fund raising, with the park dedication fees only as a backup. Mr. Brausen moved adjournment. Ms. Jensen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Kasey Kester, Secretary r ATTEST; .!~-"l Eugene J. well, Mayor COUNCIL MEMBERS: