04-02-2019 Work Session after City Council Meeting MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
AT CONCLUSION OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:17 p.m. at the Hopkins Fire Station, 101 17th
Avenue South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Kuznia, Halverson and
Hunke attending. Staff present included Director of Planning and Development Elverum,
Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Planner Lindahl and Public Works Director Stadler.
Community Development
City Planner Lindahl updated the Council on the group home zoning standards. After a
routine fire inspection a group home was found to house 10 residents. Current zoning
standards limit group homes to 6 residents. An enforcement letter was issued. The
group home owner put in an application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow up to 10
residents. The applicant hosted a public meeting and 7 neighborhood residents
attended. The neighbors understand the need for this type of housing and were
generally supportive of the group homes with some concerns. The neighborhood was
not supportive of more than 6 residents living in the group homes due to parking and
traffic concerns. The Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the application.
Mr. Lindahl commented that the current policy of the Comprehensive Plan is to protect
single family neighborhoods. Council was asked if they would like to consider amending
the group home zoning standards expanding to 10 residents and if the Council felt that it
would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
There was much Council discussion about the neighborhood concerns, zoning
standards and the more intensive use. Director of Planning and Development Elverum
commented that staff has discussed the group home zoning standards with the City
Attorney. The standards cannot be more restrictive but could be expanded from a
zoning perspective. Mr. Lindahl commented that reasonable standards such lot size,
location, parking could be added to correspond to more intensive use. Council asked
about the applicant's reasons for expanding to 10 residents. Mr. Lindahl commented
that the applicant needs to maintain a higher ratio due to financial reasons and client
needs. Council asked about the ongoing neighborhood concerns. Mr. Lindahl
commented that staff has been addressing the code enforcement issues.
The City Council consensus was to not support expanding the group home zoning
standards to 10 residents. There was discussion about giving the group home owner a
reasonable timeframe to relocate the clients. The City Attorney has reviewed the
enforcement process and agrees to grant the applicant more time since the group home
owner has a 60-day notice period to relocate a client. City Planner Lindahl will let the
applicant and neighborhood know the Council feedback and application process.
Public Works
Public Works Director Stadler gave an overview of a meeting with the Belgrove
neighborhood. The neighborhood is considering donating 8 acres of land to be
developed into a city owned park. Mr. Stadler discussed the proposal with the Park
Board and they were generally supportive. The park could include a play set and picnic
shelter for approximately $150,000. Currently there are no funds available to support
this project.
Mr. Stadler commented that he had conversations with the SuperValu transportation
staff regarding semi-truck parking along 3rd Street S. when space is available on the
SuperValu property. Mr. Stadler discussed the posting of signage prohibiting semi-truck
parking on 3rd Street S.
Mr. Stadler discussed the cell antenna right-of-way ordinance language.
City Council
• Council discussed recognition of the Hopkins High School girls and boys basketball
teams.
• Council discussed how to do outreach this summer and suggested changing up
locations rather than just the farmers market.
Administration:
Assistant City Manager Lenz gave the following updates:
• Discussion of City Council salary adjustment schedule. The first reading is
scheduled on the April 16 City Council agenda.
• Images of the proposed City Hall vestibule artwork.
• Discussion of a Grand Reopening event of City Hall.
• Artspace neighborhood meeting at Hopkins Center for the Arts on April 8 at 7 p.m.
• Arbys on Blake Road is permanently closed and other potential restaurant changes.
• Overview of the upcoming Sunset Series, Artstreet art work and concert ticket sales.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, seconded by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Jason Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk