01-29-2013 WSMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Raspberry Room — 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:32 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Kristi Halverson, Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Mornson, Public Works
Director Steve Stadler, City Engineer John Bradford, City Clerk Kris Luedke, Senator Ron Latz,
Representative Steve Simon, Park Board Representatives: Caroline Rinker, Tom Jenny, Abbey
Bryduck and Norman Teigen.
New business:
Legislative Issues:
Mr. Mornson introduced the issues of legislation of interest to the City of Hopkins. Some of
these issues include a bonding bill for Southwest Light Rail (SWLRT), local government control,
redevelopment funding, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) issues, and Hazmat funding.
Senator Latz and Representative Simon addressed the Council regarding the legislative interests
of the City. They also discussed the challenges of balancing the state's budget and addressed
issues with state income and property taxes.
There was much discussion with Mr. Mornson and the Council in regarding to the future funding
for the Southwest Light Rail, future redevelopment areas in the City, TIF issues and different
committees that each of the representatives is involved in.
Public Art Policies and Procedure
Council gave Mr. Mornson questions regarding the public art policy to be researched and
brought back to Council at a later date.
Blake Road Design Process
Mr. Bradford discussed the background information regarding the Blake Road corridor and the
proposed process for improvements to reconfiguring the road more in line with community
goals. He stated that the proposed project area extends from Excelsior Boulevard to Highway 7
and that many entities are involved in the project. He stated that staff would like to be proactive
in the plan for how the corridor will be designed to meet challenges in the area. He listed some
of the improvements needed to the area. Mr. Bradford went on to discuss the potential
opportunity of creating a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Blake Road
improvements. He would also like to explore the option of hiring WSB & Associates, Inc. to
provide engineering consulting services.
There was much discussion with the City Council as to the process for creating the TAC
committee, who would serve on it, what improvements to the Blake Road Corridor would be
needed; the time frame and the benefits if a consultant is obtain for necessary engineering work.
Staff will submit at the February 5`" council meeting a resolution approving the creation of a
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the future improvements of the Blake Road corridor
for Council approval.
Park System capital Improvement Needs and Funding
Mr. Stadler introduced the Park Board members and the Board's concerns in regards to the Park
System Capitol improvement funding needs to sustain our parks' infrastructures.
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Mr. Jenny addressed the Council in regards to the future of the park system capitol improvement
funding, he talked of the value of the parks and the desire to lay out a long term vision for the
improvements needed to picnic shelters, warming houses and play equipment. He stated that the
Park Board has visited and reviewed each of the city parks.
There was much discussion between the Park Board and the Council regarding the importance of
our parks to the community, future improvement needs and how much funding may be needed,
ways to replenish the funds for the improvements, ways of engaging the community and
informing residents how park equipment is funded, also using the citywide residential survey for
community input.
Council instructed staff and the Park Board to submit a realistic long range plan for the area
parks at a later date.
OTHER:
• Council member Cummings attended a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting.
• Council member Youakim attended the Resource West's 20"' Birthday Gala.
• State of the City practice will be at held at the next meeting on February 5.
• Mr. Mornson updated the Council in regards to a meeting staff had with the Hennepin
County Environmental Inspections.
With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Youakim and a
second by Council member Halverson to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kris Luedke
CITY`COUNC L
ATTEST: 01
Euger e J. M xwell, Mayor