Loading...
05-27-2008 WSMay 27, 2008 Page 1 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -May 27, 2008 A work session of the Hopkins City Council was called to order by Mayor Gene Maxwell at 6:05 p.m. on May 27, 2008 at the ICA Food Shelf. The Council toured the ICA food shelf until 6:40 p.m. The meeting resumed at City Hall at 6:50 p.m. Council members Rick Brausen, Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan and Cheryl Youakim were present. City staff present were City Manager Rick Getschow, Asst. City Manager Jim Genellie, and Tony Hanlin of the Police Department. Also present was Joel Jensen of the Interlachen neighborhood. 2008 US Women's Open City Manager Getschow said he received a call Friday from USGA saying they have decided to use another location on golf club property for their media compound. Interlachen Park will not be used. The park program will continue as originally scheduled; staff has met with St. John's about that. Mayor Maxwell said he wants to be sure security of the children is paramount. Mr. Hanlin said he feels that will not be a problem. Mr. Hanlin said two "rovers" will constantly patrol Excelsior Blvd. between Blalce and Meadowbrook. Special arrangements are in place for a Saturday wedding; reserves have been called out. Answering Mayor Maxwell, he said Blalce School's lower lots will have security people; the upper lot is reserved for school personnel. Answering Mr. Brausen, he said the department does not anticipate severe stacking of traffic at Meadowbrook; the executive director of USGA forecasts 5 minute intervals for buses during rush hour. The private security company is also working on that. The goal is to have no buses stopped except for passengers getting on or off. He will be on duty 5 a.m.-8 p.m. and can be contacted if problems arise. Mr. Getschow said Hopkins will be able to put out promotional material in the hospitality tents. Answering Mayor Maxwell, he said a Question and Answer sheet will be sent to all residents in the Interlachen area, with the cost paid by USGA. Answering Mr. Rowan, Mr. Hanlin said the parking plan for Interlachen will stay the same - no parking on the street. Exceptions will be made for contractor trucks, etc., and the rovers will use good judgment on having vehicles towed. Mr. Jensen expressed concern for residents who are planning events, etc. Mr. Hanlon said the ordinance forbidding parking on lawns will be rescinded during the golf tournament, and the parking prohibition is not in effect 8:00 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mr. Getschow will be sure those exceptions are on the Q&A sheet. Health Insurance Discussion Asst. City Manager Jim Genellie said medical insurance is astate-mandated "term and condition" that must be negotiated with bargaining units. In 1978 the most expensive single coverage was $44 per month; for families, $114. In 2008 those costs were $497 and $1309. If costs rose at regular inflation rates, they would be $144 and $373. Hopkins belongs to LOGIS, a consortium of 25 cities and several government units that collectively contract for insurance. The lowering of costs in 2008 was due to LOGIS. Once the premium cost is known, Hopkins negotiates the contribution amount the City will pay. We have never negotiated a percentage, but a set dollar amount, usually enough to cover single premiums. In 2007 the City's contribution cost was $925,000. Health insurance is always the biggest issue in negotiations. Mr. Genellie surveyed other cities in LOGIS and found Hopkins is comparable to them in insurance contributions. Hopkins has tried to keep costs down by: (1) increased co-pays and deductibles to lower premiums, along with Health Reimbursement and Health Savings Accounts; May 27, 2008 Page 2 (2) LOGIS membership so medical costs are spread over a large group; (3) Wellness program; (4) capping retirees insurance payments. Mr. Getschow remarked health insurance was the biggest issue in the employee survey. Mr. Brausen said he feels cities need to bombard state and federal governments about health insurance issues. Mr. Genellie noted if one gets sick and can no longer work, he loses his insurance. Mr. Getschow said health insurance is not on the Hopkins legislative statement at present. Answering Mayor Maxwell, Mr. Genellie said elected officials can now get insurance through the City. He will send Council members information. Mr. Getschow noted that change was due to LOGIS. 2008-2009 Goals Mr. Getschow said staff has come up with three major goals, along with some subsidiary goals. He would like Council feedback. 1. Small town feel. Reducing resident turnover Downtown viability (marketing Hopkins; proactive to get new businesses) city events (long term planning with sponsors of Raspberry Festival, Heritage Fest). Events centering on biking and trails. Mayor Maxwell suggested including Hopkins joining in Cargill events. Ms. Youalcim suggested that the City build on successful events like the Health Fair. Mr. Rowan said Music in the Park is a major event. Mayor Maxwell noted HBCA is thinking about starting a visitors' center. He thinks the building in the little triangle would be ideal. Social Capital City services Accessible, friendly government services 2. Increase and promote a livable, walkable community Physical connections (Highway 169 and Excelsior Blvd. make distances seem longer between parts of town) LRT Proposed 169 exit ramp to Mainstreet Green initiatives Trail connections to downtown. Later Ms. Youakim said working on 9-Mile Creek is important. Mr. Getschow noted grant money may be available from the Watershed to work on opening up Minnehaha Creek. Mayor Maxwell added Three Rivers. 3. "Take it to them" philosophy- Citizen Enga eg_ment Volunteer coordinator (a person to connect all these items in all departments) Mayor Maxwell suggested this might be partnered with HBCA, perhaps Hopkins would donate toward the cost. Mr. Rowan noted if Hopkins helps with cost, then city information could be put out at the visitors' lcioslc. Resident education (Citizens' Academy, etc.) Minority and Rental Populations. Ms. Youakim suggested using "transient" rather than "rental." JCCP (grant money, multi-cultural group) Staff/Council interaction with Residents. Staff members had a long list of suggestions; Mr. Getschow will get it to Council members. Ms. Youalcim noted we still need to promote Hopkins outside the city. Mr. Brausen said going to people as the Council went to the ICA Food Shelf before the work session is important. May 27, 2008 Page 3 Mr. Getschow asked for feedback on City Council training/development/ communication. Ms. Youakim mentioned League training. Mr. Getschow said board/commission events with an educational speaker might be good. Mayor Maxwell said he would like celebratory events with them. Ms. Youakim said the Hugo tornado made her realize emergency response training would be good. East End work might bring people together. Mr. Brausen noted the City has been providing people with tools so they can do a better job. Mr. Getschow suggested exit interviews for Board/Commission members. Mr. Brausen said he has realized conferences that Hopkins could be a model for other cities; we need to push ourselves more. Mr. Getschow suggested Council/Commission sessions for improving communication, etc. Mr. Brausen suggested Bob Miller would be a good facilitator for that. Mayor Maxwell added the City Manager will need a 2008 performance review. ~• Other Ms. Youakim said the Memorial Day service was well attended. She suggested LPGA should be pushed more by HBCA. Mayor Maxwell asked if the 2010 census projections he received match Hopkins' figures. Mr. Getschow will look at that. Mayor Maxwell mentioned a brochure he received for a day care in the City. Answering Mayor Maxwell, Mr. Getschow said there is one opening on the Charter Commission. Mr. Getschow said the meeting on the Comp Plan produced good comments from the 70 attendees. It is now ready for comment by other cities. Mayor Maxwell said he feels the City needs to be more proactive on smaller apartment units and about development along the LRT. "Mixed use" may need a better definition. Staff will look at both issues. On motion by Ms. Youakim and second by Mr. Brausen, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. on a vote of 5-0. Kasey Kester, Secretary ATTEST: ~~~~~ _ Euge J. xwell, Ma or COUNCIL MEMBERS: