06-12-2018 Work Session HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 12, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room at
City Hall, 1010 First Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Pro Tern Halverson called the meeting to order with Council Member Campbell,
Gadd and Kuznia attending. Mayor Cummings was absent. Staff present included City
Manager Mornson, Arts Center Executive Director Anderson, Firefighter Herby,
Assistant City Manager Lenz, Firefighter Smith, Fire Chief Specken and Firefighter
Tungesvick.
FIRE DEPARTMENT RELIEF ASSOCIATION INCREASE
Fire Chief Specken and Firefighter Herby gave an overview of the Hopkins Fire Relief
Association. Firefighter Tungesvick commented that the Hopkins Fire Relief Association
is a separate entity of the Fire Department, made up of volunteer firefighters, is an
independently managed long-term investment planning fund and is an incentive to
recruit and retain members of the Fire Department. Firefighter Tungesvick gave an
overview of the types of plans and revenue sources. The Hopkins Fire Relief
Association is requesting an increase to the benefit level and according to state
regulation Council approval is required. If approved the requested 2018 benefit level
increase would be $400 to $7300 and would be effective June 20tH
There was Council discussion about past increases and the City's risk. Firefighter
Tungesvick commented that the last increase was three years ago and that the
Association looks for slow steady growth. Chief Specken commented that the Fire
Department needs a member to stay at least 5 years to recoup the department's
investment. The City's risk is that the City would be required to fund the difference up to
$40,000 if the fund becomes underfunded. Hopkins Fire Relief Association is in a strong
financial position.
Firefighter Tungesvick discussed the interest rate and by-laws. The By-laws would be
updated to remove interest payments for deferred members and make more funds
available to reward active members. Firefighter Tungesvick gave an overview of the
amount of state aid and municipal contribution. The primary funding source for Relief
Associations is a 2% tax on homeowner insurance premiums.
Firefighter Tungesvick commented that going forward, the Association would review the
maximum benefit quarterly, make adjustments as needed and keep the Council
updated.
Council consensus was to approve the increase and the action would be on the next
regular City Council Consent Agenda.
ARTS CENTER UPDATE
Arts Center Executive Director Anderson gave an update to Council on the Hopkins
Center for the Arts. The Art from the Attic fundraising event is Saturday, June 16, 10
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 12, 2018
a.m. - 2 p.m. Ms. Anderson discussed the 2018 concert season commenting that the
concert budget has improved over last year. Staff is currently working on the 2019
concert lineup. The 2018 May Day on Main fundraising event had an increase in giving
and generated net revenue. The Visual Arts program has had an increase in
membership and program fees and art sales continue to grow. Ms. Anderson gave an
overview of the upcoming 2019 exhibitions. The Arts Center also programs artist talks,
the Artstreet sculptures and the Sunset Series of summer outdoor concerts. Ms.
Anderson discussed the budget. 2017 ended much better than budgeted as the HVAC
system was less expensive and some capitol improvements were moved into 2018.
2018 is running according to budget. Assistant City Manager Lenz commented that the
projected budget deficit would be affected by the 2017 capitol improvements that were
deferred to 2018 and cost of living adjustments for the employees that will be retro
active to the beginning of the year. Ms. Lenz would update the Council on the budget.
There was discussion about the positive economic impact that the Art Center has on the
City of Hopkins businesses. Council discussed the Arts Center social media and visible
presence in the community.
Ms. Anderson shared videos made by marketing company and commented on the good
team of staff at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
On behalf of the Council, Pro Tem Mayor Halverson thanked the Arts Center staff for
their hard work to keep the Arts Center going in the right direction. Ms. Anderson
thanked the Council for their support.
UPDATES
• Council Member Campbell discussed power outages due to the Monday storm.
• Council Member Gadd discussed the Met Cities Transportation Committee meeting.
The committee is examining the standardized metro speed limits. Direct any
feedback to Council Member Gadd.
• Council Member Halverson discussed a resident concern of speeding issues in the
Elks Lodge parking lot.
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
• There is some opposition to the Oakridge single-family home development project
that is on the June 18 City Council agenda.
• Discussion of The Moline parking garage.
• Discussion of options to resolve the first three months of undercharging sewer bills.
• City staff would be respond to the group requesting an ordinance regarding the
impact of plastic straws.
• Discussion of options for the outdoor smoking area at Dow Towers.
• Thirty Bales restaurant soft opening scheduled for June 28 or 29.
• Police Captain Erik Husevold would be receiving the 40 under 40 International
Chiefs Association Award this fall.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
JUNE 12, 2018
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, second by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk