02 22 21 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes February 22, 2021
Regular Meeting City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The City Council and all present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Megan Hedstrom, Stormwater Specialist
Tim Hoyt, Director of Police
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, Assistant City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Hoffe, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 8, 2021. Voted in
favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted
against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present desirous of addressing the council.
PRESENTATIONS:
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SHERIFF
Item 5.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.1, Presentation by Hennepin
County Sheriff David Hutchinson.
Sheriff Hutchinson indicated his office is dedicated to strengthening relationships
with partner agencies and local law enforcement. He stated the sheriff’s
department offers a support role to the New Hope Police Department. He
congratulated Tim Hoyt on his appointment as Police Chief.
Discussion ensued regarding the increased security measures put in place for the
upcoming trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.
Council thanked Sheriff Hutchinson for his support of local law enforcement
agencies.
New Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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ROTATING VOTES
Please note that votes taken on each agenda item are called by the secretary on a
rotating basis; however, the written minutes always list the mayor’s name first
followed by the council members’ in alphabetical order.
CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hemken introduced the consent items as listed for consideration and stated
that all items will be enacted by one motion unless requested that an item be
removed for discussion. Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, reviewed the consent
items.
BUSINESS LICENSES
Item 6.1
Approval of business license(s).
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through February 22, 2021.
RESOLUTION 2021‐22
Item 6.4
Resolution approving LG230 application to conduct off‐site lawful gambling by
Armstrong Cooper Youth Hockey Association at the New Hope Ice Arena.
RESOLUTION 2021‐23
Item 6.5
Resolution approving agreement between the city of New Hope and Home Free
for the 2021 Domestic Assault Intervention Project.
Ms. Elsa Swenson, program manager of Missions, Inc. was recognized. She stated
the agency served 109 New Hope residents in 2020 (93 were female and 16 were
male). She explained that Home Free provides 24‐hour emergency housing and
advocacy services for victims of domestic assault. The agency works cooperatively
with the police department and provides a variety of counseling, intervention and
support services. She stated Home Free serves 15 cities in the northwest area.
Council expressed support for the domestic assault intervention program.
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member Hoffe,
to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
GENERAL
OBLIGATION TAX
ABATEMENT BONDS
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution relating to
$2,020,000 General Obligation Tax Abatement Bonds, Series 2021A; Awarding the
sale, fixing the form and details and providing for the execution and delivery
thereof and security therefor.
Ms. Stacie Kvilvang was recognized. She stated Ehlers serves as a financial advisor
for the city. She stated a bond rating call was conducted with Standard & Poors on
February 11, and the city’s AA rating was affirmed for the bond sale. She noted the
rating was due to the city’s strong economy, strong management and financial
policies, budgetary performance, strong liquidity, and weak debt.
Ms. Kvilvang reported on the sale results with five bids. She noted subsequent to
the bid opening, the issue size was decreased from $2,095,000 to $2,020,000 due to
receipt of a premium bid, reduced cost of issuance, and additional city funds from
the sinking fund. She recommended awarding the sale to United Bankers’ Bank at
a true interest rate of 0.5711%. She stated due to the favorable rates, the city’s
savings over the next seven years will be $174,357, compared to the original
New Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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projected savings of $147,000, by refinancing the $3,505,000 in Taxable Lease
Revenue Bonds/Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds that were issued in 2011.
RESOLUTION 2021‐24
Item 8.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION RELATING TO $2,020,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION
TAX ABATEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2021A; AWARDING THE SALE, FIXING
THE FORM AND DETAILS AND PROVIDING FOR THE EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY THEREOF AND SECURITY THEREFOR.” The motion for the
adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Hoffe, and
upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken,
Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None;
Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly
passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2021
INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECT
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1054)
Item 8.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.2, Resolution awarding contract
to T.A. Schifsky and Sons for construction of Public Improvement Project No. 1054
(2021 Infrastructure Project).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, reviewed the proposed street and utility
improvements in the Lions Park neighborhood and Erickson Drive. He explained
the city received eight bids for the project and the low bid was T.A. Schifsky and
Sons with a total base bid amount of $1,101,936.38. He reviewed two alternates for
the storm sewer piping on Oregon Avenue and recommended award of Alternate
1 for repair of storm sewer with CIPP lining for $64,150. He stated the lining is cost
effective and will extend the life of the existing pipe until a future street
reconstruction is needed. Mr. Boyum also recommended award of Alternate 3 for
Liberty Park trail improvements for $37,629.10. He stated the total contract,
including the alternates, is $1,203,715.68; indirect costs are estimated at
$240,743.14, for a total project cost of $1,444,458. He stated the capital improvement
plan budget includes $2,127,294 for the project. He noted one of the reasons for the
large underage is that the CIP included an “open cut” to replace the storm sewer,
and staff is recommending the “lining” option, which is less expensive.
Mr. Boyum stated although the city has not recently awarded a contract with T.A.
Schifsky & Sons, the company has been a subcontractor on other projects as well
as projects in Crystal. Stantec has had a good working experience with T.A.
Schifsky & Sons in other communities.
He reviewed the project schedule with construction commencing this spring,
substantial completion this fall, and an assessment hearing in summer of 2022.
RESOLUTION 2021‐25
Item 8.2
Council Member London introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO T.A. SCHIFSKY AND
SONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.
1054 (2021 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT).” The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Isenberg, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe,
Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
New Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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ICE ARENA ROOF
IMPROVEMENTS
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1058)
Item 8.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.3, Resolution awarding contract
to Jackson & Associates for roof improvements at the New Hope Ice Arena
(Improvement Project No. 1058).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, reported on bids received for the proposed roof
improvements at the arena. He recommended awarding a contract to Jackson &
Associates for $194,000 which includes alternate 3 for thermoplastic‐polyolefin
roofing membrane and coverboard with a 25‐year warranty. He explained various
alternates were sought for extending warranties on different roof types. An
alternate was also included to add two inches of new roof insulation over the entire
roof for additional energy savings but is not recommended based on the return‐
on‐investment. An alternate for a replacement of the skylight system was also
included but not recommended. Staff recommends obtaining quotes for the
skylight system as a separate project to obtain lower quotes since this type of work
is not typically performed by roofing companies.
Mr. Boyum stated the total project cost including indirect costs is $222,000. He
stated insulation repairs will be performed by Jackson & Associates at the $22 unit
price. Stantec has worked with the contractor in the past with good experience. Mr.
Boyum stated the project will take place this spring with completion in the
summer. He noted quotes for the skylight will be presented in the near future.
Mr. Boyum stated the original budget was $750,000 based on roofing contractor
estimates that included removing existing roof insulation during the roof
replacement and replacing the exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) walls.
He noted the existing 1996 insulation meets current specifications and does not
require replacement. The unit pricing will be charged for any necessary repairs.
He noted repairs can be made to the EIFS walls rather than replacement. These two
items, along with competitive bids, contributed to the budget savings. Mr. Boyum
stated the project will be paid by the Ice Arena Fund by utilizing a 15‐year
interfund loan.
Council Member London called attention to the city’s long‐term plan that included
the $750,000 estimate for the project. He questioned whether the city is
overcharging taxpayers. He recommended amending the plan when it is
determined to deviate from original plans resulting in substantially lower pricing.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, noted the funding source is the temporary
financing fund which does not impact taxpayers in the same manner as issuance
of bonds.
Council Member Elder inquired of inspections. Mr. Boyum stated there are critical
times during a roofing project (such as installation of flashings) when a project
manager will perform the inspections.
Council expressed support for obtaining separate quotes for the replacement of the
skylight to facilitate accomplishing both projects this year.
New Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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RESOLUTION 2021‐26
Item 8.3
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT TO JACKSON &
ASSOCIATES FOR ROOF IMPROVEMENTS AT THE NEW HOPE ICE
ARENA (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1058).” The motion for the adoption of
the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe,
Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
FINAL PAYMENT
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1008)
Item 8.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.4, Resolution approving final
payment to The Osseo Construction Co. LLC for $0 for the 2018 North Water
Tower Painting project (Improvement Project No. 1008).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, asked Council to accept the project for the tower
painting project completed by The Osseo Construction Co. LLC. Mr. Boyum stated
the tower project included two parts (tower repainting and installation of a bypass
pipe and driveway work). He explained that a contract for $464,000 was awarded
to The Osseo Construction Co. in 2018 for the tower painting, but the contractor
failed to meet the original completion date. He stated a one‐year delay caused the
city to incur additional expenses of $50,132.50 ($20,826.50 to complete the
driveway and restoration work, $19,740 to KLM Engineering for on‐site inspection
of the tank project, and $9,566 to Stantec Engineering for on‐site inspection of site
improvements). He reported all work is complete, and the cost of the delay was
borne by The Osseo Construction Co. LLC.
Mr. Boyum reported project was funded by the Joint Water Commission. He stated
no liquidated damages were pursued, and no payment is due to the contractor.
Council discussed the contractor’s performance including crew shortage and an
irregular work schedule.
Council Member London suggested including stronger language in future
contracts to ensure the contractor fulfils the contract obligations.
RESOLUTION 2021‐27
Item 8.4
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT TO THE OSSEO
CONSTRUCTION CO. LLC FOR $0 FOR THE 2018 NORTH WATER TOWER
PAINTING PROJECT (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1008).” The motion for
the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the
same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
ORDINANCE 21‐01
Item 10.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Ordinance No. 21‐01, An
ordinance amending New Hope City Code Sections 4‐3 and 13‐5 related to
drainage; and adoption of Summary Ordinance No. 21‐01 for publication
purposes.
New Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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Ms. Megan Hedstrom, stormwater specialist/project coordinator, reviewed
proposed updates to the city’s storm water ordinance. She explained the changes
are necessary to comply with MPCA and local watershed districts guidelines as
well as the city’s Surface Water Management plan. She stated the updates include
new language in the zoning and subdivision/platting sections of the city code
primarily relating to grading, erosion, and sediment control regulations. She stated
a public hearing was held at the February 2 Planning Commission Meeting.
Council Member London inquired of areas that do not contain buffer zones.
Ms. Hedstrom noted the city has several areas that would likely require improved
buffer zones. She stated situations are reviewed on a case‐by‐case basis usually
during redevelopment activities.
ORDINANCE 21‐01
Item 10.1
Council Member London introduced the following ordinance and moved its
adoption: “ORDINANCE NO. 21‐01, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING NEW
HOPE CITY CODE SECTIONS 4‐3 AND 13‐5 RELATED TO DRAINAGE; AND
ADOPTION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 21‐01 FOR PUBLICATION
PURPOSES.” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing ordinance was
seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the
following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None;
whereupon the ordinance was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
PURCHASE OF
POLICE VEHICLES
Item 10.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.2, Resolution authorizing the
purchase of equipment and appropriation of funds in the amount of $398,780.95
for the purchase of four marked Ford Patrol Interceptor utility vehicles, three
unmarked Ford Patrol Interceptor utility vehicles, one crime prevention Chevrolet
Tahoe SUV and ancillary equipment.
Chief Tim Hoyt requested approval of eight vehicles including four marked
squads, three unmarked vehicles, and one crime prevention vehicle. He explained
that some vehicles will be repurposed and some will be sent to the auction. Chief
Hoyt explained the vehicles will be funded by Central Garage vehicle replacement
fund and auction proceeds. It is necessary to order the vehicles at this time as the
contract cutoff for ordering 2021 Ford Interceptors is the end of February.
RESOLUTION 2021‐28
Item 10.2
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT
AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $398,780.95 FOR
THE PURCHASE OF FOUR MARKED FORD PATROL INTERCEPTOR
UTILITY VEHICLES, THREE UNMARKED FORD PATROL INTERCEPTOR
UTILITY VEHICLES, ONE CRIME PREVENTION CHEVROLET TAHOE SUV
AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT.” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing
resolution was seconded by Council Member Hoffe, and upon vote being taken
thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg,
London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None;
New Hope City Council February 22, 2021
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Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted,
signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
EXCHANGE OF
COMMUNICATION
Item 12.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 12.1, Exchange of communication
between members of the City Council.
Mayor Hemken reported on upcoming events.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before
the Council. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The New Hope City
Council adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk