01-14-2014 WSMINU1'ES OF �I'IIE CITY COUNCII. WORK SESSION
'Tuesday, January 14, 2014
City IIall Raspberry Room— 6:30 p.m.
The meeting was started at 6:32 p.m. Present were Mayor Maxwell and Council members Molly
Cummings, Jason C'�add, Kristi IIalverson and Cheryl Youakim, City Manager Mike Mornson,
Finance Director Christine I-Iarkess, Yublic Works Director Steve Stadler, Park �3oard
Representative Norman Teigen and Ehlers Financial Advisor Stacie Kvilvang.
New business:
L�ndscape Plans for Shady Oak Road
Mr. Stadler addressed the Council regarding the Shady Oak Road project and Landscape Plan to
buffer and to screen the roadway from residential housing and to provide visual improvement to
the traffic corridor. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the Public Meeting where residents were
given an update on the constrLiction, project phasing, timetable, plantings, landscaping contract
and project costs.
Mr. Stadler gave an overview Buffer Area 1 Landscape Plan including proposed types of
plantings, screen fence and the storm water plan. There was much Council discussion regarding
Area 1 buffer area, maintenance of� the landscape areas, mound height, tree maturity and type of
trees and tur% Mr. Stadler stated that Gity of Hopkins is responsible for maintenance of the area
and that 2"- 2'/�" diameter ti-ees will be planled with a mix of deciduous trees, coniier trees for
winter coverage, shrubs and fescue turl�.
Mr. Stadler presented an overview of Bufler Area 2 Landscape Plan that will buff�er back yards
of homes along West Park Road. Mr. Stadler reviewed the roadway elevation, drainage arca,
types of plantings and screen fence on the north end of the area. The landscape plans also needed
to take into account room for snow storage.
"There was Council discussion regarding the home demolition timeline, road elevation, fence
height� and maintenance of the arca. Mr. Stadler statcd that the fence height is 6 feet and the plan
creates an attractive, natural area as a buffer. The neighborhood public meeting primary eoncerns
involved ren�oval of the buffer of homes to the roadway and visibility of trafFic. "There was
diseussion regarding a vacated area between the fence and cul-de-sac that will bc inaintained by
the city and possibly resold as a futui•e home site. Council also discusscd bufiering thc fence and
along the property line with shrubbery. Mr. Stadler showed Council photos of the type and
height of screen fence. The landscape contract timeline is far enough out to allow for continued
discussion with residents regardin�; the types of plantings. There was also discussion regarding
the possibility of burying power lines. Statf is checking into the costs iilvolved.
Council discussed the 1%z year timetable between house removal and landscape plantinbs. There
was discussion regarding a possible temporary buffer fence and holding off on trec removal.
Staff will investigate with Hennepin County regarding phasing of the plantings.
Mr. Stadler reviewed the Landscape Project timetable with the Council. Staff will keep the
Council updated on the construction phasing and project schedule.
Mayor Maxwell asked for resident feedback from those in aitendance. Mr. Jack Stech, 226 West
Park Road, expressed concern of the elevation of Shady Oak Road, ti-ec height and tree species.
Council discussed the possibility of planting larger diameter trees. Staff will investigate tree size,
Work Session Minutes
January 14, 2014
Page 2
cost and survivability rate of larger trees. Mr. Jeff Mock, 201 West Park Road, expr�ssed
concern regarding the 1'/z foot drop of the pond level. Staff will continue to invesiigate the pond
level issue. Mr. Stadler updated Council that WSB is checking with the DNR whether sediment
build up can be removed froin the pond. Mr. Stadler gave an overview of the storm water
management plan for the area. Council suggested that a general discussion regarding watei•
management with all parties involved might be beneficial.
Financial Strategy Plan
Ms. Harkess and Ms. Kvilvang discussed with Council the updates to the Financial Managcmcnt
Plan.
Ms. Kvilvang reviewed the changes in the plan, which included adding $6.3 million in street
projects in 2014 and 2015 and pushing out the positive fund balance at Hopkins Center for the
Arts to 2021. Ms. Kvilvaizg reviewed the general Ilind budget and the ref nements made to the
plan in order to reduce the tax impact. "The changes included lowering the amival debt levy for
various bonds and adjusting the annual levy oC the PIR tund, arts fund and capital fund. "I,hese
changes reduced the annual tax impact to an average market value home by $40 to $100 in 2015.
Ms. Kvilvang reviewed the pi•ojected impact on the average value home and on various marlcet
values and commercial properties. Ms. IIarkess and Ms. Kvilvang explained that thc plan is
projected out to the year 2023 and can be refined each year and that the plan accounts I�or
minimal gain in projected housing values and as market values itnprove and redevelopinent
opportunities arise it will increase the tax base.
There was Council discussion regarding the impact of LGA and that the biggest impact to the
general fund budget is staff salaries. Council discussed the tax impact of past years. Staff will
update the Council on past year tax impacts. Council discussed ways to lower the annual tax
impact by holding off on street improvements and possible sponsorship opportunities of the Arts
Center.
Mr. Mornson discussed with Couneil that the Financial Management Plan takes into account all
street improvement projects, park improvements a�1d equipment replacement needs. There was
discussion that franchise fees will be dedicated for park improvements.
"l�here was much Council discussion regarding thc downtown business district mill and overlay
street project. Council discussed the possibility that downtown businesses may be willing to pay
a portion of the project cost. Staff will investigate how to approach businesses regarding paying
for a portion of the downtown business district street improvements and will investigate what
other cities charge for mill and overlay projects. Council discussed the importance of public
inforination meetings and sharing the plan and vision of the downtown area.
Council discussed options of increasing revenues through sponsorships, rentals and grants.
Council likes the concept of the I� inancial Management Plan and stressed the importance of
educating and communicating the concept to the public. Council would like to see the averagc
tax impact held under $100.
Ms. Harkess discussed the next steps for the Financial Management Plan and that Ms. Kvilvang
will present the plan at a future City Council meeting.
Work Session Minutes
Janua�y 14, 2014
Page 3
Review Legislative Policy
Mr. Mornson reviewed with Council the changes and additions to the Legislative Policy. There
was discussion regarding the SWLRT Municipal Consent timeline, TwinWest st►pport of
financial reporting and sales ta� exclllsion.
Other
• March 11, 2014 Work Session will be rescheduled to Wednesday, March 12 due to I�?mpty
Bowls event.
• 2014 Goal Setting Meeting on Priday, January 17, 2014.
• Discussion of future Community Conversations.
• Council Member Youakin� gave an update on the SWLRT Public IIearing in St. Louis Park
• SWLR"T Coinmunity Works meeting on 1`hursday, January 16, 2014.
• Beyond the Yellow Ribbon meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2014.
With no further business to discuss there was a inotion by Council member Youakiin and a
second by Council member Cummings to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Debbie Vold
ATTEST:
i���''�
Euge e J. axwell, Mayor
CITY C )iJNCIL
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Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk