06-13-00 WSMINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -JUNE 13, 2000
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on June 13, 2000, at the
City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen, Hesch
and Jensen. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke, Assistant City Manager Genellie,
Public Works Director Stadler, Publications Director Bobbie Hartfiel, Police Chief Reid and
Economic Development Director Kerrigan. Also present were Gary Brown of RLK Kuusisto, and
Tom Allen.
Before the session was called to order, Mr. Tom Lorentz was officially made a sergeant by
Police Chief Reid, who stressed the responsibility carried by a command officer. Assistant City
Manager Genellie administered the oath.
Vision Process, Tom Allen
Mr. Allen summarized the elements brought out by the visioning process to date: Main
Street; citizen responsibility and participation, diversity, redevelopment, public safety, and the
school district. He said he has noticed a lack of understanding about what has been done and what is
possible to do, but that in general the public and the Council/staff are "on the same page." Most
comments solicited from the others centered around the issues of Main Street, diversity and the
importance of communicating.
Mr. Mielke said he felt volunteer participation was a key issue and would like to see apart-
time volunteer coordinator, not for just the city government, but the whole community. He would
like "city entrances" to be made more noticeable and attractive. He is concerned Hopkins schools
may be seen as "low income" schools in the future if trends are not changed. He wants clarification
of the New Citizens office. The community needs to understand the visioning process is a long-term
process; options need to be prioritized and implemented as monies become available. He was
surprised the following elements did not appear: neighborhoods; housing; parks and recreation.
Since the focus groups had emphasized housing, especially apartments, he feels that should be
checked out further. Later Mr. Brausen suggested the school district might be a good resource for
the diversity issue.
Discussion followed on the action plan. Mr. Allen said Mayor Maxwell had suggested the
first September meeting be about the mission statement, and the second be a brainstorming session
on how to implement it and how to prioritize the projects. Mr. Mielke said he felt the survey was as
much an education piece as a survey. Fran Hesch and Karen Jensen volunteered to work on a
presentation to help build excitement. There were general comments on needing a theme. Tom
Allen mentioned a visual element was important. Fran Hesch mentioned "Hopkins: Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow. Mayor Maxwell mentioned "Responsibility and Participation."
In discussing the final mission statement, Police Chief Reid noted it needs to be short enough
everyone can remember it or it will just be another piece of paper.
General Consensus: The timeline should be extended a couple weeks, until the end of
September. Karen Jensen asked the staff draw up a list of the action items (such as the Citizens
Academy, volunteer coordinator, community policing) with estimated costs to help in prioritizing
projects. Fran suggested each person write out answers to "Who am I? Why am I here?" as a way
to start work on the mission statement. Both suggestions met with general approval.
Parking Lot 500-600 Design, Steve Stadler
Mr. Stadler said his purpose was to explain to the Council how he planned to proceed,
subject to Council approval. He introduced Gary Brown of RLK-Kuusisto, consultant for the
project. Mr. Brown explained the importance of accurate traffic counts, alley counts, parking
analysis, etc. He noted 11"' St. would be included in those because of the Art Center/theater. A
major portion is solving the 10"' St. problems. In answer to Ms. Jensen's question, Mr. Stadler said
a parking lot lasts about 40 years. In answer to Mayor Maxwell's question, Mr. Brown said soil
testing costs were not included and would run about $4,000.
Steve Mielke spoke briefly about the property owners group and how their goals overlap with
the city's. The big question is funding, especially as this project will set the stage for future ones.
Fran Hesch said she felt phasing in and caps would be very important. Karen Jensen suggested the
past parking committee members be brought into the process.
General Consensus: Staff should bring back a full project cost breakdown, a master plan for
future planning. Mayor Maxwell also asked the possible funding sources be listed with present
balances and suggestions as to which would be better to use for the July 5 meeting.
Excelsior Blvd. Phase II update, Steve Stadler
Mr. Stadler gave a brief rundown of current status: the Admiralty building closing will be
this week; an oral agreement has been reached with the East End Bottle Shop for $422,500 with a
September 6 closing; there is no agreement with U-Haul yet; Spur Gas and Admiralty will be
demolished in July; a partial taking of Blake School property is almost ready to start. There will be
an open house Thursday. Steve Mielke pointed out that Steve Stadler had gotten $90,000 from the
County for Phase I and deserved recognition for that.
®ther
Fran Hesch mentioned jackhammers were at work at Zion before 7:00 a.m. Rick asked for
clarification of feasibility study contracts. Mayor Maxwell had a question on the visioning budget.
Rick Brausen moved adjournment. Fran Hesch seconded. Adjourned at 10:02 p.m.
Kasey Kester, recording secretary
ATTEST:
Euge e J. xwell, Mayor
COUNCIL MEMBERS: