12-17-2013 WSMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
FOLLOWING THE COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
City Hall Council Chambers
The meeting was started at 7:21 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Jason Gadd, Kristi Halverson and Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Morrison,
Director of Economic Development and Planning Kersten Elverum, Public Works Director Steve
Stadler, City Engineer John Bradford and PPL representatives Chris Wilson & Matt Soucek.
New business:
Oxford Green/PPL Update
Ms. Elverum gave an overview of the Oxford Green/PPL project, the outreach to the
neighborhood, design modifications and the need for Council support for grant applications.
Mr. Wilson and Mr. Soucek gave an overview of the housing project, funding sources, Met
Council Grant, environmental investigation, neighborhood meetings and next steps in the
process. The next steps involve a traffic study on Oxford Street, grant fund applications, an
additional neighborhood meeting, phase 2 environmental investigations and construction
scheduled to begin in the spring of 2015.
There was Council discussion regarding the length of time between the design phase and
construction phase. Ms. Elverum explained that Council would have an opportunity to review
any design changes prior to final approval. The PPL representatives explained that grant funding
applications might require a Council resolution of support of the project with deadlines in early
2014.
The PPL representatives met with area residents and members of the Blake Road Corridor
Collaborative (BRCC). The main neighborhood concerns involved traffic and parking. The
project front door is on busy Blake Road, a similar situation to another PPL project that has not
proved to be a problem. PPL management at the other housing project has observed that
residents mainly utilize the back door entrance and the main uses of the front door entrance are
for public transportation and mail pick-up. PPL will investigate ways to direct residents to utilize
the back door entrance. PPL will do a traffic study to address the concern about an increase in
Oxford Street traffic. Ms. Elverum addressed a concern a resident had regarding the number of
additional rental units in the area. The number of additional new units will be close to replacing
the number of apartments taken for the Cottageville Park project. Mr. Bradford addressed the
neighborhood concern regarding competition over rents. The PPL target clientele will be at a
different rate structure. The quality of the project should enhance the neighborhood and property
values. There was much Council discussion about educating the public on the PPL project
facility, a quality affordable housing project. Council suggested that PPL organize a
neighborhood tour of their other PPL site.
There was Council discussion regarding the Met Council grant monies. PPL will utilize the funds
for property acquisition, storm water management and infrastructure improvements.
Council discussed the possibility of tying the PPL project with the long-term vision for the
Cottageville park improvements. Ms. Elverum addressed the Council regarding the possible
opportunity to submit for grant funding.
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There was Council discussion regarding the displacement of residents for 9-12 months during the
construction process. PPL is a fair housing project and cannot give preference but can notify
residents when the wait list opens.
PPL reviewed the timeline and next steps which include a neighborhood meeting in early March
with a tour of their other PPL property prior to meeting in order to build public support of the
Hopkins project. There was much discussion regarding the grant process, due dates and
resolutions of Council support for funding applications. The Deed for Resolution of Support will
be on the Council agenda for January 7 or 21, 2014.
Mr. Wilson and Mr. Soucek reviewed the proposed design changes to address the neighborhood
concerns. The parking lot will be enlarged to accommodate additional outdoor and underground
parking. The parking ratio will be 1.25 to 1. Additional parking will mean the loss of some
green space but Cottageville Park is located next door to the project. PPL has looked into
increasing the community room space but would lose a rental unit. There was discussion
regarding adding a small retail component to the building. Council was not supportive of retail
usage for the community space. PPL staff will continue to investigate the community space for
the project.
Ms. Elverum addressed Council regarding the possibility that Hennepin County is looking at
developing a Master plan for the area around the Blake SWLRT station site.
Other
• Mr. Stadler will be meeting with residents on Thursday, December 19 at City Hall regarding
the buffer area and landscaping plans along Shady Oak Road. Mr. Stadler presented the plans
to Council for their review. The project and landscape plan is scheduled for the Council
agenda on January 7, 2014.
• Mr. Bradford will be meeting with Hobby Acres neighborhood on Wednesday, December 18
at City Hall regarding the street and drainage improvement project. Mr. Bradford advised the
Council that approximately eight water services would need to be replaced. Staff will work
with residents individually on the replacement and assessment. Council asked that staff
provide feedback from both meetings.
• Council member Gadd will be attending the SW Community Works meeting on Thursday,
December 19.
• Discussion of traffic and parking concerns at the new retail development on 17th Avenue N.
• Discussion of snow removal.
• Discussion of League of MN Cities Community Conversation for residents on how city
budgets are set. Council will review the information.
• Security cameras are scheduled to be installed in 2014 by Hennepin County in the parking
ramp.
• The City of Hopkins has been awarded $100,000 by Hennepin County for a Blake Road
Study. The city will have to fund a portion of the study.
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With no further business to discuss there was a motion by Council member Youakim and a
second by Council member Gadd to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
45z� �;Or �
Eugene . M ell, Mayor
ristine A. Luedke, City Clerk