IV.2. Minutes of the November 10, 2020 City Council Work Session ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a work session of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010
1st Street South, Hopkins.
Mayor Gadd called the meeting to order with Council Members Beck, Halverson and
Hunke attending. Council Member Brausen arrived shortly thereafter. Staff present
included City Manager Mornson, Assistant City Manager Lenz, Planning and
Development Director Elverum and Finance Director Bishop.
SPECIAL REVENUE FUND BUDGETS, ACTIVITY CENTER BUDGET, ENTERPRISE
FUND BUDGETS AND UTILITY RATES; BISHOP
Finance Director Bishop requested input on the proposed budgets for special revenue
funds, enterprise funds, activity center and utility rates.
Council Member Beck questioned the Refuse Fund negative balance. Mr. Bishop
explained that part of balance is due to depreciation.
Council Member Hunke requested more information on the Depot Fund. Mr. Bishop
provided information on the fund balance and the partnership with surrounding
agencies. The City serves as the fiscal agent while Three Rivers takes care of the
building from a capital perspective.
Council Member Hunke stated that the Activity Center is an important facility but was
concerned about the budget shortfall. Assistant City Manager Lenz provided
information about the center as part of the general fund. She added that there are
always opportunities to look for efficiencies especially with the significan t revenue
decrease.
Mayor Gadd asked for feedback about the Façade Program. He talked about the
tremendous impact it has had on Mainstreet businesses. Director of Planning and
Development Elverum provided history on the program. The City Council supported
keeping the program while suggesting the application period be later in the year.
Council Member Beck suggested asking the partners to increase their contributions to
the Depot Fund. The increase could help offset the balance the City carries. Ms. Lenz
stated that there are ongoing communications about the funding all while realizing
recreation facilities have been hit hard this year.
Council Member Brausen envisioned different types of work sessions happening after
the first of the year. Conversations may include partners and facilities where discussion
involves how COVID is changing our working life and how to make up the differences.
Mr. Bishop provided information on the preliminary tax statements. Discussion ensued
about the upcoming 2021 Tax Levy decision and the proposed options. Generally, the
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
majority of the Council supported Option 1. Council Member Brausen would like to see
the final levy land between Options 1 and 2.
Mr. Bishop reviewed the next steps of budget schedule.
OTHER
Mayor Gadd stated that City was contacted by the MDH about COVID cases. He
encouraged all residents to be vigilant and follow the current guidelines.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further information to come before the City Council and upon a motion
by Beck, second by Hunke, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:438p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Jason Gadd, Mayor
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Amy Domeier, City Clerk