09-20-2011 WS MinutesPage 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Rosewood Apartments - 6:30 p.m.
460-5t" Avenue North
The meeting was started at 6:37 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Rick Brausen, Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Cheryl Youakim, City Manager
Mike Mornson, Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Director of Planning & Economic
Development Kirsten Elverum and Community Development Coordinator Tara
Beard.
New business:
Mayor Maxwell thanked Rosewood management for hosting the Engaging
Raspberry Renters events this year.
Mayor Maxwell asked if there were any comments or concerns from the residents in
attendance at the Work Session. Positive resident comments included thanking the
Police Department for their quick response and enjoyment of living in the city of
Hopkins.
Cottageville Park Expansion Project
Mayor Maxwell gave a brief overview of the history of Cottageville Park.
Ms. Beard discussed the Cottageville Park expansion project including history of the
area, recommendations for improvement, Minnehaha Watershed District
partnership, the community garden project and community engagement in park
planning. Ms. Beard also gave an update on the Blake Road Corridor Collaborative.
Mr. Stadler described the Cottageville Park improvement timeframe and overall
vision for the area that the city and the Minnehaha Watershed District have to
enhance the quality of life for Hopkins residents.
Council discussed the long-range vision for the Blake Road area and encourages
the entire community to be engaged in the process.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Ms. Beard gave an overview of the future Southwest Light Rail Transit including the
vision for redevelopment of the areas surrounding the Hopkins station platforms. Mr.
Stadler discussed the preliminary engineering process and timelines. Ms. Elverum
updated the Council on the time commitments of staff working with the Light Rail
Transit committees.
Council explained the funding for the Southwest Light Rail and answered resident
questions about the rail and station locations. Council discussed the community
improvements and revitalizations in Hopkins that have been a result of the future
Light Rail and look forward to public engagement and community involvement in
the Light Rail development process.
Page 2
Sports Grant Application
Mr. Stadler explained the Hennepin Youth Sports Grant application process and
proposed upgrades planned at Maetzold Field for Hopkins Area Little League.
Ukraine Visit Update
Mayor Maxwell gave an update about the events on Tuesday, September 27th for
the Hopkins Sisfer City Day with the visitors from the Ukraine.
OTHER:
• Mayor Maxwell thanked the Rosewood residents for attending and Rosewood
management for hosting the Work Session.
• Council asked about the premier showing of "Thin Ice," the movie produced in
Hopkins. Ms. Elverum explained that Hopkins did attempt to host the premier but it
will be held at the Walker Arts Center.
• Council asked about the North Avenues street reconstruction project. Mr. Stadler
stated that the project is going as scheduled.
• Mr. Mornson discussed the Depot Coffee House Open House on Wednesday,
September 21, 3 to 6 p.m. and Cottageville Park luncheon to award a grant to the
Hopkins Police Department on September 23, 12 to 1:30 p.m.
• Klodt Inc. appreciated the 60 -day extension until December 1, 2011.
• The Zoning & Planning Commission discussion of the Cold Storage rezoning has
been rescheduled for a future agenda.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Brausen
and a second by Council member Halverson to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
r
EugeneJ. Maxwell, Mayor