11-22-2011 WSPage 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Raspberry Room - 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:36 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council
members Rick Brausen, Kristi Halverson, Bruce Rowan, Cheryl Youakim, City Manager
Mike Mornson, Finance Director Christine Harkess, Director of Economic
Development Kersten Elverum, Public Works Director Steve Stadler, Assistant City
Manager Jim Genellie, City Attorney's Jerry Steiner & Jason Hutchinson,
Representative of Solomon Real Estate Group, Inc. Steve Johnson and Park Board
Representative Jason Gadd.
New business:
Discussion with City Attorney's
Mayor Maxwell explained that the purpose of the discussion is to review the
expectations and responsibilities of the City Attorney's office.
Mr. Steiner gave an overview of the Steiner Curtis law firm and the specialties, areas
of expertise and valuable experiences that the three practicing attorneys offer.
Mr. Steiner explained that the attorney's have personal ties to Hopkins, have
maintained an office in Hopkins since the 1970's, are easily accessible to city offices
and maintain a good relationship with city staff.
Mr. Hutchinson gave a summary of his duties as prosecutor for the City of Hopkins, his
relationship with city departments as well as his professional activities that are helpful
to issues within the city of Hopkins.
Mr. Steiner would like to continue their relationship with the City of Hopkins and
stressed the importance of consistency and continuity with legal issues.
Mr. Steiner stated that their current fee is $132 per hour; a rate that has not changed
in 4 years. Mr. Steiner's firm has been mindful of the City's budgetary constraints over
the last few years but are currently looking at an approximatel0% rate increase. Mr.
Steiner will submit a request for an increase in rates to the City Manager and will be
open to options to reduce the number of billable hours.
There was much discussion & appreciation by Council for the services the City
Attorney's office provides, the importance of continuity, importance of experienced
attorneys in municipal law and knowledge & history with the city of Hopkins. Mr.
Mornson discussed the importance of experienced attorneys and exploring options
of reducing attorney fees.
Council requested that Mr. Steiner submit the new fee schedule to the City Manager
and staff will explore the option of not requiring the City Attorney to be in
attendance at City Council meetings where there may be no immediate legal issues
or questions on the agenda.
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Discussion on Former BP Site Possible Redevelopment
Ms. Elverum gave an overview of the BP site on Blake Road, the concept for
development of the site and steps necessary for the Solomon Real Estate Group to
complete the purchase of the property. Steve Johnson of Solomon Real Estate
Group gave an overview of his company and reviewed their vision for the site plan,
possible types of users & parking, access to the property, examples of other project
developments they have completed and the legal procedures he still needs to go
through to complete the project. Mr. Johnson's goal is to start construction in the
summer of 2012.
Mr. Johnson and Ms. Elverum discussed the necessary steps to acquire adjacent
properties from Mr. Ginkle and the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT). Mr. Ginkle's property would involve an easement agreement or land
swap. Mr. Johnson's attorney is in the process of finalizing the agreement for the
Ginkle property. Ms. Elverum explained the lengthy process needed to acquire the
MnDOT property.
There was much discussion by Council concerning the foreclosure process, location
of replacement property for Mr. Ginkle, concern over a possible billboard on the
property and traffic studies. Council liked the look of the potential project and feel
the development of the site is a step in the right direction.
Council directed staff to work with the Solomon Real Estate Group to start the
process of acquiring the MnDOT property. Ms. Elverum will keep Council updated
regarding the process.
Discussion on Amendments to the Pawnshop Ordinance
Mr. Genellie reviewed the Pawn Shop Ordinance and the language changes. The
State of Minnesota made some changes to the statutes regulating pawnshops
therefore the City of Hopkins needs to revise its ordinance accordingly to comply
with state law. Mr. Genellie will notify all Hopkins Pawn Shops with the changes. The
first reading will be on the City Council agenda on December 6'h.
Discussion on Amendment to the Non -Domesticated Animal Ordinance
Mr. Genellie discussed with Council the reasons for amending the Non -
Domesticated Animal Ordinance. The city has received a number of complaints
regarding residents feeding wild animals. Mr. Genellie reviewed the problems
associated with feeding of wild animals. Staff is recommending that Council amend
the language in the ordinance. Staff explained to Council that the ordinance will
not affect bird feeders and the Ordinance will be enforced on a complaint basis.
There was much discussion by Council about enforcement of the Ordinance,
administrative fine system and educating the public about the Ordinance.
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The first reading will be on the City Council agenda on December 6th
Review Athletic Field User Fee's
Mr. Stadler discussed with Council the new Athletic Field User Fees for 2012 for those
making reservations and using certain Hopkins athletic fields.
Notices were sent out to each athletic field user explaining the new program.
Representatives from Hopkins Area Little League attended the Park Board meeting.
Park Board Representative Jason Gadd discussed the concerns of the Hopkins Area
Little League, how the fees will be collected and what the fees would be used for.
The Park Board unanimously approved the fees to be implemented in 2012.
There was much discussion by Council concerning the current fees, the overall fee
schedule and classification of users. Mr. Stadler will update the Council on how the
Recreation Department determines and classifies the user fees.
Council directed staff to get feedback from the organizations & groups regarding
the new fee schedule and would like examples what the additional revenues will be
used for prior to the new fees being on the City Council agenda. The new fees are
tentatively scheduled to be on agenda for the second meeting in January.
Discussion of 2012 Budget Hearing
Ms. Harkess reviewed with Council the 2012 Draft of the Public Hearing Presentation
to be presented at the December 6th City Council meeting & budget public
hearing. Ms. Harkess explained that the levy was lowered from 2.07% to 1.1 1 % and
the General Fund budget has also decreased from 2.14% to 1.66%.
There was much discussion by Council about the importance of discussing &
clarifying the Market Value Homestead Exclusion program. Staff will continue to
investigate informational programs and simple handouts to explain the Market
Value Homestead Exclusion program to the public. Council would like staff to
discuss the grants and dollar amounts that city departments have received.
The Public hearing will be on December 6th with the budget scheduled for approval
on the December 20th agenda.
OTHER:
• Council Member Youakim gave an overview of the League of Minnesota Cities
meeting.
• Council Member Rowan feels the City of Hopkins should stop purchasing bottled
water for events. Staff will investigate this expenditure.
• The Hopkins Activity Center hosted a Thanksgiving Dinner for 120 senior citizens on
Tuesday, November 22, 2011. City staff participated in the set-up, serving the
meals and clean-up following the event. Mr. Mornson thanked Susan Newville and
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Debbie Vold for organizing the event.
• Mr. Mornson updated Council on Union Contract negotiations.
• Two new staff have been hired; a Public Works Mechanic and Hopkins Center for
the Arts Volunteer Coordinator.
• Mr. Mornson reviewed the meeting schedule for 2012. Staff is suggesting a three
meeting schedule per month (one Work Session & two Council Meetings).
• Goal Setting all -day retreat is scheduled for Friday, January 20, 2012.
• Next Citizens Academy is scheduled for March 1, 8, 15, 21, 2012.
• Christmas Tree Lighting will be on November 25 at 6 pm
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Rowan
and a second by Council member Brausen to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor