09-10-02 WSSeptember 10, 2002
Page 1
MINUTES
CITY COiJNCIL WORK SESSION -September 10, 2002
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 8:00 p.m. on September 10, 2002,
at the City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Brausen,
Jensen, Johnson and Rowan. City personnel present were City Manager Mielke; Activity Center
Coordinator Newville; Facilities Manager Strachota; Police Chief Reid; and Fire Department
representative George Magdal.
Hopkins Activity Center Revenue Discussion
Ms. Newville said she would like to use the $16,524 given to Minnetonka to be used
locally. She and her staff would like to publish their own Senior Script; this would not entail much
more work as they already do five pages, which are then sent over to Minnetonka. This change
would not save money, but the material would reach more residents over age 50 and would be
more Hopkins-oriented. Mr. Mielke said he had discussed this with Minnetonka, and they have no
problems as long as they know ahead of time. Mayor Maxwell asked if it could be bi-monthly to
save postage; Ms. Newville said Burnsville and St. Louis Park do that and she will check how they
handle that. Ms. Johnson suggested it be put on-line and on the city web site. Ms. Newville hopes
to change to local publishing by September next year, but Mr. Mielke pointed out that the decision
must be made by October of this year for budget purposes.
Ms. Newville would also like to take over the senior day trips. She already does some.
There has been dissatisfaction with Minnetonka as they have cancelled Hopkins pick-ups, even
when a dozen Hopkins residents are scheduled for the trips and there have been a few other
complaints. There is a possibility Minnetonka will not be able to do theirs without Hopkins
participation. The change would mean staff could go on each trip to handle problems. Trips would
be open to other communities. There would be no additional cost to Hopkins as fees cover all
costs.
Another change she would like is to have Senior Club overseen by Hopkins. Now we pay
a lot for Minnetonka to come over, and Hopkins has to do the set-up, etc. anyway.
Answering questions, she said her changes would mean no sharing with Minnetonka except
they could join on trips. There would not be more personnel cost involved. Mr. Strachota added
membership tracking may be the only additional hours needed, but the cost would be minimal; Ms.
Newville added there is already a volunteer for data entry.
She explained the proposed frequent user card system, noting this also includes youth. She
noted the fee schedule that was implemented has gone well.
General Consensus: Planned changes seem good. If possible the programs should be
implemented, even if by phases, sooner than next fall.
Facilities Project Update
Police Chief Reid said the main focus has been on design. Each department has its own
architect, which is really helping. Meetings of the departments, architects, construction heads and
designers are every other Friday. He sees communication -among departments, with city staff and
September 10, 2002
Page 2
residents - as very important. He handed out a tentative schedule of design and engineering
activities, including neighborhood meetings.
Mr. Magdal said he has talked to Savage fire department, which is directly across from a
school, and they have had no problems with traffic. The fire department is very pleased with their
architect, who incorporated a central equipment area he saw at another station into their design.
He is designing their building so that a second floor could be added later if needed.
Mr. Mielke added that prices couldn't be obtained until after October 28 when drawings
will be submitted. If prices are too high, then things may need to be redesigned. Finance Director
Yager told him bond rates have lowered, which may save $70-80,000 per year, which equals a 1
lower levy rate. Present design is based on an aerial survey; a true survey is in process. Mr.
Magdal added Mr. O'Shea thought the aerial was within 5 feet of accuracy.
Chief Reid said right now security is under discussion -should all departments use the
same pass cards or not.
General Consensus: Council should be kept updated on progress, but do not need details.
Board and Commission Orientation/Training Discussion
Mr. Mielke said participant comments have indicated it should not be called "training" so
is using "orientation." He asked for feedback as to what should be included.
Mr. Brausen said attending a general session should be a requirement. He suggested terms
be 14 months, with the first two used as training for new members. He thinks a past member
should be with the new members, explaining, asking questions, etc. He thinks chairpersons should
have more training.
Ms. Johnson noted Z&P procedures are really different.
Mayor Maxwell said he feels all of them need to be at one general session so they can see
how they relate to each other and what roles each group plays in the city. He feels past members
should talk about what happened when they were on the board/commission, etc. Mr. Rowan added
that would give a good sense of community history and how they fit into it.
Mr. Mielke said he feels a current events portion would be helpful to old as well as new
members. He feels if half the members attend, it would be good. Mayor Maxwell said attendance
should be at least three-fourths membership.
General Consensus: A general session on November 18 at HCA lasting 11/z to 2 hours
should be scheduled. Council will divide the members up and call them, followed up by a letter.
®ther
Mr. Rowan said a resident who was concerned about a fence and berm on the Excelsior
Boulrvard project had contacted him. Mr. Mielke said he also was called and will have City
Engineer Bot follow up.
Mr. Brausen said a 5`h Ave. area resident called very angry that someone was digging up
his yard for stakes. Mr. Mielke handed out copies of a letter from another resident. There was
general discussion. Mr. Brausen suggested everybody be brought together to discuss the matter.
Ms. Johnson agreed. Mayor Maxwell noted answers for all their previous questions must be ready.
General Consensus was to set up a work session with area residents between now and December
September 10, 2002
Page 3
with a purpose of presenting answers to residents questions and to have a dialogue with the
neighbors about the project.
Mr Erausen moved adjournment; Ms. Jensen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
ATTEST:
Eu ne axwell, Mayor