12-11-2018 Work Session HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 11, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 in the Raspberry Room at City Hall, 1010 1St
Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Cummings called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with Council Members Gadd,
Halverson, Hunke, and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager
Morrison, Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Clerk Domeier, Director Planning and
Economic Development Elverum, Community Development Coordinator Youngquist
and City Planner Lindahl.
THINK HOPKINS MARKETING STRATEGY
Director of Planning and Economic Development Elverum introduced the item and
provided information on the initiative. Alan Schutte of Platt Hollow Road was in
attendance to describe the strategic briefing process.
City Manager Mornson questioned how this process would be explained to local
reporters. Mr. Schutte responded that we are trying to define what makes Hopkins
special and how to convey that message.
Ms. Elverum proposed bringing the strategy to the January work session. She
requested that the Council Members provide their suggested contacts to reach out to for
the process. Discussion ensued about reaching out to the diverse population and
youth.
AUTO RELATED USES MORATORIUM DISCUSSION
City Planner Lindahl provided a presentation on the recommended changes to the
zoning standards related to auto uses. The proposed changes were also outlined in the
staff report and attachments.
Council Member Halverson questioned the change from permitted to conditional use for
major and minor automobile repair. Mr. Lindahl explained that the conditional use
process would be important for the public process and engagement. This process
would give the public opportunity to have input in a project. Discussion followed
regarding the standards in the industrial areas and areas closer to the LRT.
Mr. Lindahl explained the proposed changes to downtown overlay district zoning. The
City Council supported the proposed amendments.
Council Member Halverson questioned the expansion of uses for existing automobile
repair. Mr. Lindahl clarified the ways businesses can expand if a major or minor
automobile repair shop. General feedback from the City Council was in support of the
proposed changes.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 11, 2018
PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS UPDATE
Mr. Lindahl provided an update on the Pawn America relocation related to their
distance/setbacks from residential, institutional and liquor establishments.
Mr. Lindahl stated that the Planning Commission will consider the Englebret variance
request and the Dock '1 Bargains conditional use permit at their December 18 meeting.
Mayor Cummings questioned if the City had an ordinance related to marijuana
dispensaries. Mr. Lindahl stated the City has standards in place for medical marijuana
dispensaries which are the same as the state standards.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS BROCHURE
Assistant City Manager Lenz requested City Council feedback on the updated brochure.
The City Council discussed the terms for each commission and the suggestion of
making terms the same, expanding information on the Hopkins Academy and more
information about the annual recruitment process.
Mayor Cummings requested to have further discussion about recruitment for
commissions. City Manager Mornson suggested continuing the recruitment discussion
after the January 14 regular meeting or at the February 12 work session.
UPDATES
Assistant City Manager Lenz provided information on the bid opening and bid award
process for the City Hall project. Based upon the timeline provided, the City Council
was in agreement to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 6:15 p.m.
to review the bids and award the contract. Ms. Lenz also requested that for any public
meetings that the City Council park at Public Works. City Manager Mornson stated that
the Capital Improvements public hearing will be on January 2, 2019.
The City Council shared meetings and events they have recently attended or plan to
attend. Items to note:
• Council Member Kuznia will be out of town February 8-18.
• Council Member Halverson confirmed that that the Fagade Program was in place for
2019.
• Council Member Hunke suggested meeting with the City of Minnetonka to continue
the SWLRT zoning discussions.
• Council Member Gadd sent a response to the Beacon request.
• Mayor Cummings questioned training the City Council on race and equity. Ms. Lenz
stated that the training was expensive but staff was exploring options for training that
would include Department Directors.
• Mayor Cummings received a request from Nelson Berg to have a separate
groundbreaking for SWLRT to recognize all the people involved in the project. The
City Council supported doing an event in the spring.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
DECEMBER 11, 2018
• Mayor Cummings stated that the Regional Council of Mayors recently discussed
raising the age to purchase tobacco to 21 . The City Council did not support
exploring it at this time.
City Manager Mornson provided the following: memo from the Park Board related to the
park dedication fees; and a draft agenda and discussion topics related to the goal
setting session. He also asked if Council Members were interested in attending the
NLC Conference in March. Council Members Halverson and Kuznia plan to attend the
conference.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Gadd, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9.06p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Molly C mmings, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk