01-29-02 WSJanuary 29, 2002
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -JANUARY 29, 2002
A work session of the Hopkins City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on January 29, 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, Public Works
Director Stadler, Assistant to City Manager Stahmer and Facilities Manager Jay Strachota. Also
present were Joni Giese and Mike McGarvey of SRF Consulting Group.
Review of Trail Plan
Mr. Stahmer said city staff and SRF have completed the draft of the Trail and Sidewalk
Master Plan. It was presented to the Park Board Jan. 14, who gave an enthusiastic response.
Work is continuing on the brochure which was presented in November, and a draft of some
language was also distributed. Open houses to present the master plan are scheduled for Apri13
and 4, with final approval slated later that month by Park Board and Council. The brochure
should be published in early May. He said 20 years is the term planned to finish all projected
improvements .
Mr. Rowan said the brochure's welcome mention of 5 miles of trail did not seem correct.
General discussion followed on how to present to the public. Mr. Stadler said the brochure would
show planned additions in dashed lines as a way of getting public "buy-in" into the whole idea.
Council was concerned if the public would think proposed trails were a "done deal." Ms. Johnson
said she feels it is important to prioritize what should be done within 5 years. Discussion
followed.
Ms. Giese explained the different types of trails. Mr. McGarvey discussed the maps in the
master plan, explaining the one showing only proposed improvements was to help future
prioritizing. Ms. Giese covered other facets such as division of responsibility between Public
Works and Parks Dept., prioritization, funding sources. She added the master plan would make
getting grants easier as it would show dedication to the trail system.
Ms. Johnson suggested an "Adopt-a-Trail" program. Mr. McGarvey said one was in
place is South Minneapolis, and added Hennepin Parks and Three Rivers would need to be
involved. Ms. Jensen suggested "adopters" be asked for at the open.house. Mr. Mielke said the
Park Board could be involved as "marketers."
General Consensus: Publicizing shall include an article in the Highlights, a televised 15-
minute presentation at the March Council meeting and the 2 scheduled open houses. The brochure
shall make clear the proposed improvements need to be approved by the Council before any
commitment is made to any one project; specific number for miles of trails will be eliminated in
welcome of brochure. Prioritizations shall be based on "the policy is to connect all neighbor-
hoods to major trails so there are no isolated neighborhoods." No separate trails are needed for
downtown Hopkins. Adopt-a-Trail should be looked into.
CSAH 73/5 Update
Mr. Stadler said the only undecided issues are the signal posts (whether 4 or 8) and the
Heubach property. Mr. Stadler was directed by Council to talk to the Heubachs in the next few
days in response to their letter.
January 29, 2002
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Council Goals for Next 2 Years
Each Council member listed his/her goals. Mr. Rowan said he would like to see something
similar to an ombundsman program so that employees had a way to express themselves, knowing
their confidentiality would be guaranteed. He would like a volunteer coordinator, in the sense
there would be a person to serve as a contact person. (Mayor Maxwell said someone had
volunteered to do such a job last fall. Ms. Johnson suggested the Senior Center computer classes
might be utilized for appreciation letters, a roster, etc.) He would like to see HCA deficit-free,
Ms. Jensen listed HCA deficit-free; the Depot more self-sustaining; lights at Highways
5/73; SuperValu property project underway; more involvement by all citizens of Hopkins; budget.
Ms. Johnson proposed finishing the mission and vision; working on entrances to Hopkins
so people would know when they enter Hopkins; HCA utilized more and deficit-free; a way for
City Hall services to be available outside of 8:00-4:30, even if only by electronics; public safety
facility built.
Mr. Brausen wants the public safety facility; HCA focus; use of groups for Hopkins vision
and mission implementation; employee satisfaction and morale maintained and, if possible,
improved.
Mayor Maxwell listed public safety facility; budget, with any cuts affecting everyone not
just a small group; HCA deficit-free; Koss block; vision and mission goals in place; SuperValu
property planned.
I3CA-Success Is? Discussion
The Council discussed who should be involved and listed: Council, city staff, HCA (board
and committees), Stages, District 270, HBCA, Business Council, faith community, clubs (such as
Raspberry Festival, fraternal and civic groups), private schools, youth, rentals,
attendees/audiences.
Changes were suggested for the drafted success definition. "Programming" was changed
to "Programming/Rentals." and item 6 now reads "Maximize rental opportunities." Under
"General" #2 was changed to "Harmonious relationships among users, tenants, City, etc." #3 and
#4 were eliminated. Anew #3 is "All parties understand that risks may need to be taken to
achieve longer term objectives." Under "Signs of Success" #9 was eliminated. #7 now reads
"HCA is known for quality programming."
General discussion followed on the next steps needed to involve others.
General Consensus: A meeting with HCA, Inc. is next. Mr. Strachota will see if Feb. 26
or March 12 will work for HCA, Inc. The meeting will focus on: discussion of "Success Is...";
asking for feedback; discussion of next steps. The purpose/intent of discussion shall be "taking an
asset of the community and making it better."
Other
Discussion of the Art Stimulus Policy was moved to Feb. 12 work session.
Mr. Mielke said a price has been tendered for the Locomen property, and an answer is
expected within a week.
Ms. Johnson reminded Council of the Youth Award presentation.
January 29, 2002
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Appreciation Night.
Mr. Mielke said Beish proposed using the theater performance instead of a dinner. The
theater agreed to reduced ticket prices. Hors d'oeuvres could be served before the performance.
General Consensus was positive. Ice cream will be donated by Mayor Maxwell for after
the performance. The invitations were approved with the addition of a title. Those who do not
RSVP by March 14 should be called.
Buses
Mr. Brausen said Leo called. After discussion it was agreed Mr. Mielke will look into this
more. "Small buses or move the route" is general feeling.
State of City Address
Ms. Johnson said there is not enough time for her idea. After discussion the following
assignments were agreed upon: HCA, Ms. Jensen; Koss Block, Ms. Johnson; East End study, Mr.
Rowan; Budget, Mayor Maxwell. Staff will prepare "bullet points" but no power points
projections will be used.
Budget
General discussion of issues took place. Mr. Mielke said "no new personnel," including
the new policeman, has been put in place for now. Staff feels $150,000 less can be done with
equipment cuts, the out-of--state travel freeze, no hiring. A $300,000 cut will mean squeezing
personnel. Unions will not allow reduced or frozen salaries. Mr. Rowan mentioned leaf pick-up.
Mr. Brausen moved adjournment; Ms. Johnson seconded. Meeting adjourned at 10:58
p.m.
Kasey Kester, Secretary
ATTEST:
Euge e J. M xwell, Mayor
C®UNCIL MEMBERS