City Council - Regular Meeting

Presentation of National Digital Inclusion Alliance Trailblazer Award; Kivett

Accept the National Digital Inclusion Alliance Trailblazer Award. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) named the City of Hopkins as a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer, recognizing the City of Hopkins' work toward a vision where all community members can safely and confidently navigate the digital world. Digital inclusion – access to affordable high-speed internet, devices, and digital skills – is essential to participating and thriving in today's world. Through community-driven and collaborative efforts Hopkins continues its work toward digital equity. This year, the City of Hopkins joins 58 other Digital Inclusion Trailblazers paving the way for digitally inclusive communities across the US. Trailblazers provide models for other local governments to aspire to as communities build digital inclusion ecosystems. The City of Hopkins achieved Trailblazer status by prioritizing digital inclusion for residents of their communities through: Officially declaring support for digital inclusion, Hosting community conversations focused on meaningful engagement around digital inclusion, Building on current skills training and access to devices, Digital inclusion asset mapping. Along with this exciting award the Hopkins Digital Access Initiative was requested to speak at the National conference in Chicago Feb 3-5, 2026. Through the partnerships and support of NDIA Hopkins and ICA has already received a grant award for $10,000 from 35 Mile Foundation to purchase 100 low-cost refurbished devices, hot spots and free Wi-Fi for 1-year. NDIA has also offered to provide an in-kind personalized Digital Navigator training worth $10,000. The momentum and nation-wide support for Minnesota and Hopkins residents has given us a great step forward as we have quickly shifted from assessment into action. Staff thanks our community partners and especially the HDAI Steering Committee: Connecting to Thrive, Hopkins Activity Center, Hopkins Library, Hopkins Community Education, ICA Food Shelf. Tonight staff will present the award to the City Council. For more information about the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, visit www.digitalinclusion.org.

2026 Legislative Priorities; Baker

To provide an overview of the City's legislative agenda for 2026. This year's legislative agenda remains much the same as the 2025 version, though there are some notable changes. The most significant of these is the removal of a bonding request for the proposed Recreation and Resilience Hub project due to a lack of matching funds. Additionally, the City did not renew its contract with Lockridge Grindal Nauen for lobbying services in 2026. Other changes for 2026 include: Support for special legislation for Hopkins TIF District 1-6 to extend the 5-Year Rule, An amendment to cannabis law that re-establishes revenue sharing with municipalities for administrative work on compliance, Changes to electric vehicle law eliminating a requirement for a public charging operator's license and the $100 per port inspection fee for retail electric vehicle supply equipment. Staff will provide updates on the legislative session as needed.

Sustainability Update; Larson

Staff will present the yearly update on sustainability initiatives and accomplishments across departments. The update will encompass recent efforts and awards, grant tracking, and updates on ongoing initiatives. This is for information only; no action is needed. Recent efforts include the Hopkins Climate Solutions Plan, EV Infrastructure Needs and Location Assessment, Local Road and Research Board Technical Advisory Panel, Pumpkin Smash event, and various awards such as Bicycle Friendly Community Bronze Status and Tree City USA Community. Ongoing initiatives include community engagement, heat vulnerability study, Hennepin County SCORE Multifamily Funding, Hopkins Climate Solutions Fund, HOURCAR program, Partners in Energy collaboration, pedestrian and bicycle planning, shared micromobility programming, and sustainable building policy. Staff will continue implementing initiatives and is seeking feedback on the above programs and any further direction on sustainability programs and initiatives.

Approval of Minutes of January 9, 2026, Goal Setting Retreat Proceedings; Domeier

Approval of Minutes of February 2, 2026, Regular Meeting Proceedings; Domeier

Resolution Supporting Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Application for Central Park and Execute an Agreement, if Approved; Gallagher

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant program provides matching funding to local units of government for the redevelopment of local parks and recreation areas to enhance outdoor recreation facilities throughout the state. Eligible expenses for the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant program for Central Park include internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and athletic facilities. The City of Hopkins seeks $350,000 in matching funding from the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant program to support the internal park trails, playground and athletic facilities which are to be replaced as part of the redesign efforts at Central Park.

Resolution Accepting Gifts and Donations Received by the City in 2025; Bishop

Minnesota State Statute 465.03 requires that the City Council officially accept gifts to the City through a resolution. The attached resolution includes all gifts and donations received throughout 2025, totaling $40,607.51. Certain gifts and donations are reflected in the annual budget due to their recurring nature. Acceptance of additional gifts or donations may result in additional or offsetting expenditures. Acceptance of 2025 Gifts and Donations will not create any additional long-term costs or expenditures for the City.

Resolution Declaring Fire Ladder Truck as Surplus and Authorizing its Sale; Bishop

On October 21, 2025 City Council approved the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (Safer Grant) supporting the Fire Department's transition to a full-staffing model. After implementing this staffing model the City will no longer need Ladder #9 (a 2008 Pierce Arrow XT Aerial Ladder Truck). Staff proposes to sell Ladder #9 through a public auction and will use a reserve or minimum bid. Proceeds from the sale will be used to: 1. Purchase a smaller rescue apparatus to serve as a cost-effective secondary response 2. To limit the tax levy impacts of the Safer Grant and full-time staffing model. New fire trucks are currently in demand and any new orders have multiple year wait times. Staff believe market conditions are favorable for a public auction.

Resolution Closing Fund 229 and Transfer Balances; Bishop

The City of Hopkins maintains a fund accounting system which separates funds according to their sources and uses. A separate fund is created for each new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. TIF District 2-9, Oaks of Main (Fund 229) has been decertified and all obligations have been met. Staff is recommending the transfer of $5,339 from the Economic Development Fund (204) to eliminate the deficit fund balance and close the fund. Transfers between funds require City Council approval.

Second Reading: Ordinance Amending the Development Code Allowing Large Day Cares as a Permitted Use in the IX-S Zone; Krzos

The proposed Ordinance would allow large day cares as a permitted use within the IX-S Zone. The Ordinance is unchanged from the first reading conducted at the February 2, 2026 City Council meeting. Approval of a second reading of the proposed Ordinance is the next step in the process to officially adopt the regulations.

Resolution Affirming the City of Hopkins Mission Statement and Adopting the 2026 Goals and Strategic Plan for the City of Hopkins; Morrison

The City Council and Department Directors held their annual goal setting retreat on January 9. The purpose of the retreat is to discuss and evaluate previous goals, consider new goals, and develop the strategic plan. The goals and strategic plan publicly state items the City Council wishes to accomplish above and beyond the normal operations and everyday services provided by the city.