06-25-02 WSJune 25, 2002
Page 1
MINUTES
CITY COiINCIL WORK SESSION -June 25, 2002
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on June 25, 2002, at the
City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Jensen, Johnson
and Rowan. City personnel present were Assistant City Manager Genellie, City Clerk Obermaier,
Public Works Director Stadler, Fire Chief Beckering, Police Chief Reid, Police Captain Liddy,
Administrative Services Manager (Police Dept.) Connie Kurtz and Finance Director Yager.
Tattoo Parlor Regulation
City Clerk Obermaier reported that all current practitioners would be licensed under
Hennepin County. Needle storage is not an issue as they are not injection needles. Hopkins fee
schedules would need to be similar to Hennepin County. If Hopkins does not choose to regulate
now, it could change that position in the future. City Attorney Miller has looked at the drafted
ordinance. Hennepin County starts licensing in July 1 so a decision must be made by then.
Answering Council questions, she said she sees no advantage to the city to do its own licensing,
but there could be future problems in obtaining trained inspectors. Mayor Maxwell said he is not
concerned with the licensing, but wonders if the zoning for tattoo parlors should be looked into.
Ms. Obermaier added that for ease of regulation, the tobacco ordinance will be redone to include
specific requirements, and the same might be done in regard to tattoo parlors.
General Consensus: Let Hennepin County do the regulating. A letter should be sent
indicating that, including language that Hopkins may want to change that decision in the future.
Staff .should follow up on zoning for tattoo parlors.
Radio System Backup
Police Chief Reid explained that new FCC requirements by 2006 will make the Hopkins
system unlicenseable. The collapse of the system last November showed how obsolete the system
is -parts were not available and had to be machined. He has been looking at options for both a
back-up site and for emergency switching. The two local back-up sites, 2°d floor of the Pavilion
and Well #4 are both unsuitable. He feels that any short-term solution should be able to transfer
into the long-term change for the new facility. He looked at three options: Metro 800 system,
Eden Prairie and St. Louis Park. With Metro 800 the city's licenses and the microwave link would
become county property; he does not think that is wise. While both St. Louis Park and Eden
Prairie are willing to help short-term, for the long-term Eden Prairie's 800 system is much more
viable as it is a trunk system. The console and interface with them would be $100,000 (rather than
$400,000 for the Metro), costs for mobiles ($2000-3300 each), portables ($1200-2000 each) would
be about the same as Metro. Service fee would be $5 per month per unit (with $7.50 probable next
year) as compared to $200 per unit for Metro. The $125,000 microwave connection would remain
Hopkins' property with Eden Prairie. In summary, he recommended working with Eden Prairie as
it would cost half of what the Metro 800 system would and Hopkins would retain ownership of the
microwave and the licenses. Answering Council questions, he said it would be 6-8 months before
the system could start; it would be good if Public Works would be included (Mr. Stadler indicated
agreement) .
General Consensus: Chief Reid should go ahead with Eden Prairie, meeting with Mr.
Johnson and Hopkins' radio consultant. He should start the bidding process, and return to Council
when monetary figures are available. He should keep the Council informed as to costs and time
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line.
Facilities Redevelopment
Mayor Maxwell noted the bond issue comes up at Tuesday's Council meeting. Ms. Yager
said they had found the school district owned the tennis court land, but that had been worked out.
All bonds will be HRA bonds. The findings on blight have been completed. She is comfortable
with moving ahead. The school district has informally indicated they will help with $350,000, but
nothing has been put in writing yet.
Mr. Stadler said a Spring 2003 start is anticipated. There has been lots of interest both by
architects and construction management companies. He plans to come to the Council July 16 with
recommendations for those, and on August 8 with contracts. Then will come design work, and
then bidding. Environmental issues should not be a problem.
Answering Mayor Maxwell's question if public works and fire department could both be
moved to facilitate construction, Fire Chief Beckering said the only feasible site would be Knox.
North Annex has no way to get fire engines in and is east of Highway 169, which increases
response time.
Mr. Stadler said that 4 tennis courts could be replaced at Central Park. General discussion
followed.
General Consensus: At the Tuesday meeting Ms. Yager will do the financial,,then Mr.
Stadler, Mr. Beckering and Mr. Reid shall do their presentations. There will be time for public
questions. If there is a question about the tennis courts, the Council's position is that the Park
Board and Recreation need to study that issue and make recommendations. Ms. Johnson suggested
a school representative should be there; Mr. Genellie will follow up on that.
Equipment Replacement Plan Review
Finance Director Yager said there is no increase planned for 2003, with only 2 1/a %
increases planned for following years. The million dollars planned for 2003 include a fire
department pumper, radio system, sweeper, truckster and 1 ton dump truck. Fire Chief Beckering
said the pumper is essential or the department will lose its Class 4 rating, resulting in higher
insurance rates for all residents. Ms. Yager noted that equipment costs are covered by regular
amounts being set aside each year so that major purchases do not require higher levies.
General Consensus: This should come to a vote at the July 16"' meeting.
CIP Review
Finance Director Yager noted she added the parking ramp security under the police
remodeling. Public Works Director Stadler passed out acolor-coded map for street work.
General Consensus: This should be voted on at July 16 meeting
Other
Ms. Jensen mentioned a party was going on in the parking ramp late last week.
Excelsior Blvd. Mr. Stadler said the county would like Hopkins to "trade" parcels 8, 9, 10
and 11 to Blake School to keep project costs down. General consensus was it would be permitted if
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restrictions are placed so Blake School cannot build on them.
Ms. Johnson moved adjournment; Ms. Jensen seconded. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ATTEST:
Eu ne axwell, Mayor