IV.2. Minutes of the March 14, 2023, City Council Regular Meeting ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 14, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1010
1st Street South.
Mayor Hanlon called the meeting to order with Council Members Balan, Beck, Garrido
and Hunke attending. Others attending included City Manager Mornson , Assistant City
Manager Lenz, Management Analyst Imihy Bean, Finance Director Bishop, City Clerk
Domeier, Director of Planning and Development Elverum, Community Development
Coordinator Youngquist, Planner Howard, Deputy City Clerk Vidoloff and City Attorney
Riggs.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Balan. Second by Garrido.
Motion to Adopt the Agenda.
Ayes: Balan, Beck, Garrido, Hanlon, Hunke
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
III.1. Depot Update; Lenz
Finance Director Bishop provided an update on the Depot changes and summarized the
next steps.
Randy Ridenour and Mary McNeill shared their concerns about the coffee house
operations closing, the future of the youth board and events. The City Council shared
their support for the coffee house operational changes and looked forward to future youth
programming. Mr. Bishop stated that staff is working through the event programming
options.
III.2. West Metro Collaborative Update; Westmoreland/LaTondresse
Jen Westmoreland, Hopkins School Board Chair and Chris LaTondresse, Hennepin
County Commissioner provided an update on the West Metro Collaborative.
III.3. Sanneh Foundation Update; Ballard
Crystal Ballard, Hopkins High School Principal provided an update on the Sanneh
Foundation’s work.
III.4. Short-Term Rental Update; Howard
Planner Howard provided an overview of short-term rentals (STRs) and requested input
and on various policy objectives and regulatory elements that could be incorporated into
the City’s STRs regulations.
Council Member Balan preferred requiring background checks persons staying at STRs.
He also supported the zoning changes. Council Member Hunke questioned the rental
license inspection. Mr. Howard stated that inspection proposed is only for the initial
license. Council Member Beck questioned if public comment would be allowed for the
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 14, 2023
license considerations. Mr. Howard explained that under the zoning structure the license
would not require a public hearing. Council Member Beck did not support having
background check on the guests. Council Member Hunke supported the license
revocation process. City Manager Mornson expressed concerns about the licensing
structure and the impacts the inspections may have on staff. Mayor Hanlon stated that
any license fees with STRs should cover the inspection expenses.
III.5. Affordable Housing Update; Youngquist
Community Development Coordinator Youngquist provide information on inclusionary
housing, 4d programs as a tool for the preservation of naturally occurring affordable
housing, and affordable housing trust funds.
Whitney Terrill, Hopkins Planning and Zoning Commissioner, expressed support for
affordable housing and racial equity within Hopkins.
Another resident questioned if policies are in place to ensure affordable housing in
Hopkins stays protected and requested policies to engage with diverse populations.
Andrew W right, Hopkins Planning and Zoning Chair, stated that inclusionary housing is
important to the future of Hopkins. He encouraged geographic area focus for inclusionary
housing and opportunities for funding projects. He stated there are other NOAH tools to
pursue other than 4d.
Butch Johnson, 140 11th Avenue North, echoed Mr. Wright’s comments. He shared his
understanding of the different processes.
Larry Hiscock, 302 7th Street South, encouraged to City Council to look at regulatory and
policy framework around affordable housing.
Discussion ensued regarding developing an Inclusionary Housing Policy. The City
Council supported a policy that included flexibility, 20+ units, mixed unit types throughout
of the building and increasing the requirements to 20% of units, Council Member Balan
did not support a policy due to the unintended consequences but if it moves forward, he
requested more flexibility. The City Council debated and suggested having a scale to
determine the AMI levels. Council Member Balan inquired about having a cap. Staff will
come back with some recommendations. There was some support for a payment in lieu
option.
Further discussion was held about pursuing a 4d Program. Mayor Hanlon supported this
option with the possibility of rolling out in a future year. Council Member Beck did not
support a cap per building and Council Member Garrido questioned if there had to be a
cap. Council Member Balan did not support the initiative. Council Member Hunke
questioned if other programs to use for NOAH. City Manager Mornson shared concerns
about the staffing for the initiative and if it would take away from other projects.
Lastly, the City Council discussed the Affordable Housing Trust Funds and potential
funding sources. Finance Director Bishop talked about a future tax levy for the program
after the TIF Districts are complete. There was support for the program.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
MARCH 14, 2023
Staff will review the options and come back at a future meeting with draft policies and
programs for consideration.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Hanlon reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council and upon a motion by
Hunke, second by Balan, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:11 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk