10-02-2018 Work Session after City Council Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 7:24 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
1010 First Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order with Council Members Kuznia, Halverson,
Gadd and Campbell attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Director
of Planning and Development Elverum and Assistant City Manager Lenz.
Community Development
Director of Planning and Development Elverum gave update on the new owners of the
Ginkel Properties. Staff met with the new owners and commented that they are
projecting modest rent increases along with building improvements and updates. The
new owners do work with the Section 8 Program and would be using a third party
screening process for renters. Staff would ask the new owners to commit to a 3-month
rent increase notice. Ms. Elverum commented that the company has hired a regional
manager to oversee the onsite managers. There was discussion about apartment
vacancies. Ms. Elverum commented that the owners would look at making unit
improvements as they are vacated. Mayor Cummings commented on the importance for
staff to remain in touch with the new owners and continue to discuss affordable housing
options.
There was Council discussion of Opportunity Zones. Staff is looking at the possibilities
for Hopkins.
There was discussion about EDCO Products considering an expansion. EDCO
Products partners with the Hopkins School District to offer a plant tour and discuss
manufacturing with students.
Ms. Elverum commented that visitors from Germany were in Hopkins to visit the 8th
Avenue Artery and inspect the biking infrastructure.
City Council:
• The Council thanked Council Member Campbell for her service to Hopkins.
• Mayor Cummings discussed a number of phone calls she received concerning the
tax increase, opposition to franchise fees, concerns about recycling of City Hall
furniture and handicap parking spaces on Mainstreet.
• Mayor Cummings commented that Hopkins Youth Hockey Association paid off
$250,000 of their loan.
• Mayor Cummings represented Hopkins by serving a meal to troops and their families
at a National Guard deployment event.
• The Regional Council of Mayors visited the 3M Innovation Center.
Administration:
City Manager Mornson gave the following updates:
• City Manager Mornson thanked Council Member Campbell for her service to the
City.
• Discussion of a dispute between duplex owners. City staff has reached out to the
property owners.
• The Hopkins Historical Society would like to honor the Burnes family with a plaque at
Burnes Park.
• Discussion of a historical Hopkins City Hall sign. Consensus was that it is too costly
to purchase and restore.
• Finance Director Bishop would be sending out the utility billing correction letters on
October 15 for the November 1 billing date.
• A business would be renovating and moving into two floors of the Excelsior Crossing
Corporate Campus.
• Hennepin County has mailed 500 absentee ballots to Hopkins residents.
• Ticket sales are trending up at Hopkins Center for the Arts.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Campbell, seconded by Kuznia, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Molly Cummings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk