When Should Private Money Pay for Public Projects?

With major projects ahead for city facilities, Patch wants to know when you think Hopkins should rely on private organizations to foot the bill.

2017 is looking to be an expensive year for the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Expected projects for that year alone include a $5,000 information desk and kiosk, $138,510 in theater seat and back replacements and $220,000 worth of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Such expenses aren’t a foregone conclusion. If the existing equipment exceeds its expected lifespan, Hopkins will be able to delay some of those purchases. Still, the facility has some major costs ahead. Mayor Gene Maxwell suggested there might be a way around that, though. With the projects still five years out, the arts board could raise private donations to fund some of the projects. Individuals or businesses could sponsor a seat, for example. Partnerships with …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

James Warden

3:13 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The key word is "rely." Some necessary projects wouldn't bring in enough private money to get off the ground. At other times the city might not want to put the burden wholly on private money. Street assessments, for example, are in effect private money paying for public projects. As you know, Hopkins divvies up street repair costs between the nearby homeowners and taxpayers at large. And …   more ›

Two Spots Opening on Hopkins Park Board

Brian Furan and Colin Serle are stepping down.

The Hopkins City Council is looking to fill two vacancies on the city’s Park Board. Park Board Vice Chairman Brian Furan is stepping down when his term expires June 30. Colin Serle will also be stepping down. The Park Board, which meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month, advises the City Council on park issues. It’ll play a key part in upcoming issues, such as redesigning Cottageville Park and Oakes Park. Those who are interested in joining the Park Board should fill out the application to the right of this article and submit it to the city. The application can also be downloaded at the “Boards and Commissions” section of the city’s website. The new term begins July 1.   Stay up to date on all your local news. Sign up for the…

• Photos (1)
• Documents (1)

Citizens Academy Still has Openings

The program starts March 1.

It’s not too late to learn about how your community works. Hopkins still has openings for its annual Citizens Academy. The five-week program is designed to give residents an inside look at city departments and programs through interactive sessions designed to be fun and informative. Each city department will give attendees a look at its operations. The sessions take place Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. March 1 through March 29. Participants must be at least 18 years old and live or work in Hopkins. Those who are interested in applying should download the PDF to the right of this article or send an e-mail to CitizensAcademy@hopkinsmn.com. Click here for additional information on the Citizens Academy.

• Photos (1)
• Documents (1)

Reasons to Participate: Distinguished Visitors and Blake Road

A weekly look at happenings in your local government

Welcome Boryspil to Hopkins: On Tuesday, a delegation from the Ukrainian sister city will visit Hopkins, tour local facilities and meet with civic organizations and business leaders. The visit includes a 4:30 p.m. council meeting with presentations about the Community Emergency Response Team, the Joint Community Police Partnership, the Raspberry Festival and other aspects of local government. The meeting will include a resolution establishing Boryspil as Hopkins’ sister city and a presentation from Boryspil Councilman Sergej Linkevich. When it’s over, come celebrate the relationship at the “Sister City Celebration” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Take part in Blake Road discussions: Minnehaha Creek Watershed …

• Photos (1)

Reasons to Participate

Reasons to Participate: June 27

A weekly look at happenings in your local government

Share your thoughts on new development: Hopkins is considering new rules for a type of zoning called “mixed use development”— neighborhoods devoted to a variety of residential, retail and office space. Planners envision a unique identity for each of Hopkins’ future light rail stations, and mixed-use ordinances will be key to determining that identity. Chime in with your thoughts at Tuesday’s Zoning and Planing meeting. Learn about plans for the old Park Nicollet site: Hopkins selected selected Klodt Inc. to redevelop the former Park Nicollet site on Eighth Avenue. Representatives from the company will attend Tuesday’s City Council work session to introduce the project and seek further input. Dig deeper into budget challenges: The city has …

• Photos (1)

Civics 101

Hopkins' Form of Government

The city charter requires Hopkins to use a 'council-manager plan.'

Editor's Note: In the next few editions of Civics 101, Hopkins Patch examines the structure of Hopkins' government and the roles of its officials. The first installment of this series looks at the city's form of government. Hopkins' charter dictates that it use a form of government called a council-manager plan—the most common structure nationally, especially in small- to mid-sized cities. This structure has a mayor, council and city manager, just like other types of city government. It attempts to limit political influence in day-to-day activities by giving policy-making responsibilities to elected officials (the mayor and council) and reserving administrative responsibilities for a politically impartial city manager. This means that the …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

James Warden

2:33 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011

Good tip, Brad. Readers can find out more here: http://www.hopkinsmn.com/events/citizens-academy.php Those itching to apply can find the application here: http://www.hopkinsmn.com/events/pdf/citizens-academy-application.pdf   more ›

Public servant of the week

Public Servant of the Week: Finance Director Christine Harkess

She oversees the city's finances and is an adventurous traveler.

Each Friday, Hopkins Patch will introduce you to one of the government employees who keep the community running. If you know of someone Patch should write about, please contact us at james.warden@patch.com. Position: Finance director Duties: Time in Hopkins: Six years Other experience: Education: College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, bachelor's degree with an accounting major and business minor Licenses: certified public accountant, certified government financial manager Hometown: Delano Favorite part of her job: "I like the variety that it offers. In smaller cities, the financial director has more variety. … No two days are alike. Of course, sometime when you're working on the budget it feels like you're always doing that." Hardest part …

• Photos (1)