IV.2. Minutes of the September 12, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting ProceedingsHOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Hopkins City Council was
held on Tuesday, September 12, 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, City Clerk Domeier, Deputy City Clerk Osman, Finance Director Bishop,
Planner Howard, Special Projects and Initiatives Manager Imihy Bean, Police Chief
Johnson and Economic Development Director Elverum.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Balan. Second by Hunke.
Motion to Adopt the Agenda.
Ayes: Balan, Beck, Garrido, Hanlon, Hunke
Nays: None. Motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
III.1. Introduction and Oath of Office for Police Officers; Johnson/Domeier
Police Chief Johnson introduced and shared background information of Officers
Malmstedt and Yeber and Cadet Dek. City Clerk Domeier issued the Oath of Office to the
officers and cadet.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Garrido. Second by Balan.
Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda.
1.Second Reading: Ordinance 2023-1198 Amending Chapter 102 of the City
Code Regarding Attached Garage Setbacks for new Construction in N3-B
Zones
Ayes: Balan, Beck, Garrido, Hanlon, Hunke
Nays: None. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
VII.1. Hopkins Center for the Arts and Stages Theatre Company Lease Agreement;
Lenz
Assistant City Manager Lenz summarized a lease agreement between the City of Hopkins
and Stages Theatre Company for use of portions of the Hopkins Center for the Arts from
September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2028, with an optional 5 year extension to 2032. The
recommended agreement comes after a year of negotiations with Stages regarding lease
renewal. The lease is similar to previous leases between the partners but recognizes a
change in market value, capital and operational costs associated with the facility since
the last negotiations in 2011.
HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
Representatives from Stages Theatre Company provided an update on their
programming and more information on their mission. The City Council thanked Stages
for the commitment and opportunities in Hopkins. City Manager Mornson thanked
Assistant City Manager Lenz for her work during negotiations and for taking the lead on
the project.
Motion by Beck. Second by Hunke.
Motion to Approve lease agreement with Stages Theatre Company.
Ayes: Balan, Beck, Garrido, Hanlon, Hunke
Nays: None. Motion carried.
VII.2. Review 2024 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop reviewed the 2024 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy with the
Council. A preliminary levy must be adopted by September 30th. The City Council
reviewed draft versions of the 2024 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy on July 18 th and
August 15th. The Council’s direction was to continue to review and look for options to
reduce the tax levy. The purpose of this review is to provide input and guidance for the
2024 General Fund Budget and Tax Levy.
Council Member Beck appreciated the creativity from staff and that taxes would go down
for the average homeowner. He shared concerns about the projected revenue and
expenditures, bond issuance and new programming. Mayor Hanlon did not oppose using
the fund balance for the projected levy. He asked for further clarification on budget
increases in Administrative Services, Inspections and Planning; requested a reduction in
the equity and diversity funding; and an update on the permit and licensing fee study.
Council Member Garrido questioned the ACE Program funding to which Finance Director
Bishop provided the breakdown. Council Member Hunke shared concerns about using
the general fund surplus and prolonging any maintenance and infrastructure projects.
Council Member Balan agreed with most comments and was looking for opportunities to
reduce the budget. City Manager talked about the budget projections, cost savings,
proposed levy and staff initiatives to reduce the levy.
VII.3. Second Quarter Financial Report; Bishop
Finance Director Bishop summarized and gave a presentation regarding the second
quarter operating results. Council Member Beck requested that staff to monitor the Depot
deficit.
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 7:46 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amy Domeier, City Clerk