04-09-2019 Work Session after City Council Meeting HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 9, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 6:43 p.m. at the Hopkins Fire Station,
101 17th Avenue South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Member Brausen, Halverson,
Hunke and Kuznia attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Finance
Director Bishop and Police Chief Johnson.
2019 ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
In addition to City staff, present for the item were representatives from Hennepin County
Residential Appraisers Brendan Johnson and Ashlei Munneke and Hennepin County
Commercial Appraiser Lisa Olmen.
Ms. Munneke discussed the residential market values and home sales. The medium
market value for a Hopkins house is $276,000. Ms. Munneke discussed the value
adjustments for different types of properties. Ms. Munneke commented that their
department received 42 phone calls regarding the evaluations and that twelve
properties requested further review. Ms. Munneke commented that there is a shortage
of homes on the market and that on average a home is on the market for 17 days.
Council Member Brausen asked about the adjustment for duplexes and property owner
concerns. Ms. Munneke commented that buyers are willing to pay more for duplexes
and that the nature of the calls were surrounding taxes and market value.
Ms. Olmen discussed the breakdown of commercial, industrial and retail valuations and
sales. Ms. Olmen discussed apartment evaluations commenting that there was a 23%
change in apartment values, the market continues to be strong and apartments sell for
high dollar amounts. Ms. Olmen commented that the apartment market continues to
grow with vacancy rates slightly up to 1 .9%. Ms. Olmen gave an overview of the
average rents.
Ms. Munneke asked the Council about the Hopkins sales book. There was Council
agreement that the sales book is a valuable tool and good resource.
POLICE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING
Police Chief Johnson discussed the Hopkins Police Department Strategic Plan for 2019,
reasons why the current staffing levels would not be adequate in the future and the
need for two additional officers by 2020. Chief Johnson also requested continued
funding for the DWI officer grant position in 2021. Chief Johnson discussed the current
challenges to maintain minimum staffing, complexities of officer's calls and situations
and service needs with the increase in economic development. Chief Johnson
discussed the implementation of the Immigrant Family Institute and the importance of
continued outreach and building of relationships with the community that helps deter
crime. Chief Johnson commented on the importance of department member growth,
development and training that would assist in retention and recruitment of officers. Chief
Johnson discussed the development and benefits of a mental health response
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 9, 2019
procedure and Licensed Social Worker partnership with the City of St. Louis Park. Chief
Johnson gave an overview of the department organizational chart discussing the
changing needs and complexities of today's society that officers needs to deal with. It
takes approximately one year to hire and train a new officer. Chief Johnson discussed
crime issues that other departments have experienced in connection with light rail
transit. There was Council discussion regarding staffing. Chief Johnson discussed
reasons for department vacancies and recruitment of qualified candidates. Chief
Johnson commented on the need to prioritize public safety and be prepared for the
future so that residents continue to take pride in the community.
City Manager Mornson commented on the first steps in the budget process and that
staff would be presenting staffing requests at the Work Sessions for Council
consideration.
UPDATES
• Council Member Hunke and Mayor Gadd would be attending the tour of the
Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) line.
• Council Member Kuznia would be attending the SWLRT Community Works meeting.
• Council Member Kuznia received the Interlachen neighborhood street condition
survey.
• Council Member Halverson discussed a resident concern regarding standing water.
The resident should contact City Engineer Stanley.
• Mayor Gadd would be meeting with JCI Hopkins.
• Discussion regarding recognition of a business owner's work with veterans.
• HBCA meeting overview.
• Royal Comedy closing at the end of April.
• Discussion about the Blake Road lift station construction. Staff will update the
Council.
City Manager Mornson gave the following update:
• Planning and Zoning, Park Board and Charter Commission interviews on May 14.
• May Day on Main Event is May 4.
• Letter regarding a group home at 208 Wilshire Way.
• Staff received positive feedback at the Art Space neighborhood meeting. 12
residents attended.
• If the weather cooperates the Blake Road contractor hopes to complete the project
by July 4.
• Updates to the Historical Society Memorandum of Understanding.
• Hopkins basketball teams are scheduled to be recognized at the May 7 City Council
meeting. Council discussed also recognizing the State Champion in weight lifting.
Staff will contact.
• May 7 City Council agenda.
• Police Department's 11th Avenue clean-up on April 20, Bingo fundraiser on April 27
and Safety Fair on May 18.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 9, 2019
• Council to meet at City Hall on Tuesday, April 16, 6 p.m. for photo and tour of City
Hall construction.
• At the HBCA meeting Mayor Gadd acknowledged the working relationship between
City Council members and staff.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
J on Gadd, Mayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk