05-10-2011 WSPage 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Raspberry Room - 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:35 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Rick Brausen, Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Acting City Manager Jim
Genellie, Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Director of Planning & Economic
Development Kersten Elverum, Jennifer Halcrow, Cedric Williams, Andrea Long,
Graduate Students of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.
Blake Station Capstone Project:
Ms. Elverum introduced the graduate students from the Humphrey School of Public
Affairs to present their diagnosis of the issues, vision and recommended action plan
for the Blake Station area.
The graduate students reviewed the goals of the project which include public
engagement & economic development for the Blake Station area.
• Pedestrian Environment:
Suggestions for enhancing the pedestrian environment for those living -in the Blake
area as well as those coming into Hopkins included a boardwalk to improve
access, use of Cottageville Park as a community gathering space, Welcome to
Hopkins signs, traffic calming features such as redefining streets & adding
crosswalks.
• Land Use:
Suggestions of the Blake Station site analysis included moving the Blake Station
south to increase the walkability and visibility of the station, allowing for public
space near the station and looking at innovative parking alternatives.
Council asked for further information about the parking impact district. The graduate
students explained different parking alternatives for the area.
Economic Development:
Suggestions for the Blake Station economic development included visioning the
area as a global village which includes job creation & corridor redevelopment
with small business loans and facade improvement loans.
In conclusion the graduate students felt that the Blake Station area was a creative,
community based project designed to create a livable, workable environment. The
changing demographics of the community require looking at new solutions and by
investing in small business in the Blake Corridor area; it will be a positive for Hopkins's
future tax base.
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The council discussed commercial development around the Blake Station area. Ms
Elverum explained that shifting the Blake Station platform further south would
possibly allow for more opportunities for redevelopment and density around the site.
Currently staff is working with Hennepin County at looking at alternative sites for the
Blake Station; realizing this is in the early stages but now is the time to look at
alternatives.
Council questioned whether the Blake Station placement or complete streets are
more important? The graduate students discussed that placement of station is very
important and that the street design will complement the station. They also
explained that site lines for the station are very important and that moving the
station further south would make it more accessible & more visible.
Council felt that now is the time to revisit site location of the Blake Station, they liked
what the future plans look like and realize it is important to work with what currently
exists now and improve what will stay. The Council enjoyed the presentation and felt
that their vision for Blake Station area seemed realistic for Hopkins.
Mr. Stadler stated that staff has looked at the Hopkins east end plan for possibly
adding a signal at Tyler and Excelsior Blvd to improve access & safety. Staff realizes
that pedestrian and trail crossings need to be looked at carefully to keep people
safe yet keep traffic moving.
Ms. Elverum stated that staff is requesting that Hennepin County look at complete
streets for the Blake Road corridor. Ms. Elverum reported to the council that staff is
moving forward with mixed use re -zoning for the area around the Blake area station
and this will be on the agenda at a council work session in June.
The council thanked the graduate students for their time and efforts with the Blake
Station Capstone project.
OTHER:
Council member Halverson reported that Mr. Stadler found a location for an
additional bench in Downtown Park.
Council member Brausen reported that he has received some complaints about
drainage issues on 8th Ave and will address these with Mr. Stadler.
Mr. Genellie reported that Citizens Bank invited the Council to their annual open
house on Thursday, May 12.
Mr. Genellie updated the Council on the City Manager search. The search firm
would like to expand the salary range due to lots of interest in the position but
possible candidates questioning salary range. There was a great deal of discussion
in regards to expanding the salary range. The Council conscience was to expand
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the salary range from $95,000-$110,000 to $95,000-$115,000. The council felt that the
salary range should attract quality candidates and the salary is still negotiable and
doesn't mean that the city would pay the maximum salary.
Mr. Genellie invited the Council to take part in a Minnehaha Creek canoe trip
showcasing the opening up of the Minnehaha Creek area along the Blake Road
Corridor. The Hopkins Minnetonka Recreation Department will coordinate the trip for
an evening in June.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Brausen
and a second by Council member Rowan to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,'
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Eug ne Maxwell, Mayor