11-26-2019 Special Work Session Proceedings HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a special work session of the Hopkins City
Council was held on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Raspberry Room
at Hopkins City Hall, 1010-1 St Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Brausen, Kuznia,
Halverson and Hunke attending. Staff present included City Manager Mornson, Director
of Planning and Development Elverum, Assistant City Manager Lenz, City Planner
Lindahl and Community Development Coordinator Youngquist.
BEACON INTERFAITH HOUSING APARTMENT BUILDING (VISTA 44)
Mayor Gadd commented that the meeting was a continuing discussion of the proposed
Beacon Interfaith housing project and that the City Council was doing its due diligence
since the applicant was requesting the City to modify the zoning code. The focus of the
meeting is between the City Council, City staff and Beacon representatives. Public
comment would be welcomed at the December 3 City Council meeting.
In addition to City staff, representatives present for the item were Chris Dettling, Beacon
InterFaith Housing Collaborative Director of Housing Development and Bart Nelson of
Urban Works Architecture. City Planner Lindahl gave an overview of the staff report
discussing the Beacon multiple family apartment building rezoning and site plan. Mr.
Lindahl gave an overview of the site location and the applications explaining that the
key decision is regarding the proposed rezoning from R-5, High Density Multiple Family
to Mixed Use with a Planned Unit Development. Mr. Lindahl discussed the approval
process for the project and reviewed the additional information requested by Council.
Staff provided additional information on the definitions and classifications for affordable
housing at the November 12 City Council Work Session. The Council also asked for
more information on site design options, how their project fits into Hopkins' existing
supply of legally binding affordable housing and what additional resources this project
can bring to the community. Mr. Lindahl discussed the alternative site plan as presented
by Beacon. The alternative plan shifts the building to the west increasing the setback,
allowing vehicle access to one curb cut along 13th Avenue South and reduces the onsite
parking by four spots.
Mr. Dettling discussed data on the current housing stock available in Hopkins
commenting on the need for affordable family housing. Mr. Dettling discussed the
proposed site explaining that the property is a vacant underutilized lot that once it is
developed would contribute to the property tax rolls in addition to permit and utility fees.
Mr. Dettling commented that Beacon representatives have appreciated the staff time
and Council conversations regarding their application.
Mr. Nelson discussed the general layout of the development of residential buildings and
the site plans for the Vista 44 building. The increase of the alternate site plan setback
along 12t'' Avenue South was in response to community feedback. Mr. Nelson gave an
overview of building options that were looked at for the site commenting that site
elevations were a factor in the planning process. Mr. Nelson gave an overview of the
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
alternative site plan commenting on the impacts to parking and the play area. Mr.
Dettling commented that Beacon is willing to work with the changes to the site plan.
Mayor Gadd asked about zoning options and financing of the project. Mr. Dettling
commented that the R-5 zoning code guidelines are outdated and that the Mixed Use
zoning fits better with the forward looking direction of the City, fits well with the new
Comprehensive Plan and reduces the number of requested variances. Mr. Dettling
commented that Beacon anticipates the property contributing $50,000/year in taxes and
the development significantly increases property values of the site.
Council Member Brausen discussed the importance for Council to understand and
review the conversations about the project and needs of the community. Council
Member Brausen asked staff to present the affordable housing presentation at the
December 3 City Council meeting.
Mayor Gadd asked about the alternative site parking. The net change is a reduction in 4
parking spots. Mr. Dettling commented that Beacon is not concerned about the loss of
parking spots.
Council Member Kuznia asked about the parking ramp grade. Mr. Nelson commented
that it would have around a 12% grade, which they have in other developments.
Council Member Hunke expressed concern regarding congestion in the alternate site
parking lot since it has no turn around when full.
Council Member Brausen discussed the setback, street parking density, street sight
lines and difficulty for Public Works to plow on congested streets.
There was discussion regarding the placement procedure and exit strategy. Mr. Dettling
commented that Beacon uses the Coordinated Entry System administered by Hennepin
County to provide housing services for families experiencing homelessness. Mr. Dettling
commented that Beacon has had conversations with the Hopkins School District
regarding students experiencing homelessness and the importance of onsite support
services to help families succeed. Beacon would update the Council on length of stay
data.
Council Member Halverson asked about the definition of family and age qualifications.
Mr. Dettling commented that Beacon's outreach is to families with children or housing
for couples in the 1 and 2 bedroom units. Mr. Dettling commented that he would get
additional information regarding fair housing from the Beacon housing operations
department.
There was Council discussion regarding the original site plan vs. the alternate site plan.
Council indicated a preference for the original site plan. The City Council and the
community would have an opportunity to review the site plan again at a future meeting.
There was discussion about community concerns of sight lines and parking. Council
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 26, 2019
Member Hunke asked about use of the church parking lot. Mr. Dettling commented that
the church is not willing to permanently designate parking spots at this time but may be
open to a discussion in the future.
City Manager Mornson commented that the meeting was to clarify the approval of the
rezoning and the Council would have additional opportunities to review the site plan.
Mayor Gadd thanked the Beacon representatives for the opportunity for further
discussion and to the interested residents in attendance. The Beacon Interfaith Housing
apartment building is scheduled on the December 3 City Council agenda.
Mr. Lindahl gave an update on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan process and next steps to
update the zoning code.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Kuznia, second by Brausen, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
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ason Gadd, ayor Amy Domeier, City Clerk