04-15-03 WSApril 15, 2003
Page 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
April 15, 2003
Mayor Maxwell called the meeting to order at 9:28 pm at the conclusion of the regular City
Council meeting at City Hall. Council members present were Mayor Maxwell acid Council members
Brausen, Jensen, Johnson and Rowan. City persomlel present was City Manager Miellce.
April $ City Council meeting minutes
Council member Brausen informed the Colmcil that the minutes of the April 8 Cotmcil meeting
referenced coirunents attributed to hiin on Arts Center staffing. He indicated that the City Manager had
agreed to review the minutes and either delete the reference from the minutes or amend them to be more
reflective of the intent of the comment. There was consensus that the manager should proceed.
Commercial Water Meters
Council member Brausen indicated that he had recently been in a conunercial building with
what appeared to be a very old water meter. He asked for information on the policies relative to
replacing water meters in commercial buildings. City Manager Miellce indicated that unlike residential
water meters, commercial and high capacity residential water meters are owned by the individual
business, and that there is ctu~-ently no monitoring or replacement policy unless it is suspected that the
meter is misreading the amount of water. He also stated that the utility billing clerk has recommended
that we institlrte a more formal review of commercial water meters.
Shoestring Players Rehearsals
Council member Jensen informed the Council that Shoestring Players had secured a location
within the old Alliant Tech building to conduct its rehearsals. She expressed appreciation to Bill Beard
for his generous donation of the space.
City Employee Picnic
City Manager Mielke indicated that questions were coining to him regarding the appropriation
for the employee picnic. Upon leis question, it was the consensus of the Council that the Council wished
to continue the picnic, but that the staff should attempt to hold down the cost in whatever reasonable
means were available.
Board and Commission Openings
City Manager Mielke reviewed a schedule of Board and Commmission opeiungs that are to be
filled in May with terms begimling in July. He also indicated that a request had been received from the
Twin West Chamber of Commerce to allow for anon-resident business person to be appointed to the
Zoning and Plainung Commission. He indicated that the by-laws would need to be changed in order to
allow such an appointment. It was the consensus of the Coiulcil to draft apotential by-law change that
would be reviewed by the Plam~ing Coininission prior to action by the City Council. Council member
Jensen indicated her preference not to make the change in the by-laws.
League of Minnesota Magazine Article re: Staff Changes
Council member Rowan noted an article in the most recent League magazine regarding the
potential staff changes that may be needed as a result of the state's budget problems. He recommended
April 15, 2003
Page 2
Council members look at the article.
Potential Food and Beverage Tax
City Manager Steve Miellce informed the Council that he had recently testified before the S enate
tax connnittee on the potential of a food and beverage tax for the City of Hopkins. He indicated that no
hearings have been scheduled with the House.
Reallocation of Funds From Metro Transit Bus System
City Manager Miellce informed the Council of a recent piece of legislation entitled House File
1502, wherein many out-state House members had proposed a change in tax law that would take monies
currently used to subsidize metro transit bus systems and to reallocate those fluids to the local
govermnent aid pool. The result of this legislation would be significant to the City of Hopkins in that
much of the proposed cuts in LGA would be restored, although metro area Homeowners would see ail
increase in property taxes due to this reallocation.
There being no further business, Council member Jensen moved to adjourn, seconded by
Council member Joluison. Motion passed unanimously; the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm.
Steve Miellce, Secretary
ATTEST:
~~t/
Eugen . Ma ell, Mayar
CITY COUNCIL