03 22 21 City Council MinutesNew Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes March 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
Brandon Bell, Community Development Assistant
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Megan Hedstrom, Stormwater Specialist
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
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 22, 2021. Voted in
favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted
against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
London, to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 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.
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.
New Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 2
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through March 22, 2021.
RESOLUTION 2021‐32
Item 6.4
Resolution approving a contract with Warning Lites of Minnesota, Inc. for New
Hope’s 2021 street paint striping/marking services.
RESOLUTION 2021‐33
Item 6.5
Resolution approving a contract with Allied Blacktop Company for 2021 street
sweeping services.
RESOLUTION 2021‐34
Item 6.6
Resolution approving a joint powers agreement between the city of New Hope and
the city of Crystal for street maintenance work on 38th Avenue North Mill and
Overlay Project (Improvement Project No. 1054).
RESOLUTION 2021‐35
Item 6.7
Resolution approving special event at Cooper High School, Relay for Life, on
Saturday, May 15, 2021, under the supervision of District 281 personnel and
parents.
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
MEADOW LAKE
COMMUNITY
ACTION PLAN
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution to adopt the
Meadow Lake Community Action Plan.
Ms. Megan Hedstrom, storm water specialist, stated the Meadow Lake
Management Plan was developed this past winter and was a joint effort between
the city and the Meadow Lake Watershed Association. Ms. Hedstrom reported that
the draft plan was shared with Council at the March 15 work session. She stated
the plan focuses on ways to improve and address external loading of Meadow
Lake. She described the goals and spoke of the benefits of the Action Plan. She
noted there are some members of the Meadow Lake Watershed Association in the
audience who may wish to address the Council after the presentation.
Council Member London recommended utilizing Metro Blooms, a nonprofit
organization, to assist with the educational component.
Ms. Hedstrom supported Council Member London’s suggestion. She noted she
has been pursuing grants through Hennepin County over the last few months to
assist with funding.
Ms. Jodi Taitt, member of the watershed association, was recognized. She
expressed the association’s appreciation to the city and thanked Ms. Hedstrom for
the collaborative effort in drafting the Action Plan. She stated the watershed
supports the plan and is excited for the implementation.
Council Member Elder commended the residents of the Meadow Lake Watershed
Association for giving their time and talents to improve the lake.
New Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 3
RESOLUTION 2021‐36
Item 8.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE MEADOW LAKE COMMUNITY
ACTION PLAN.” 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.
PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT
HY‐VEE DRIVE
THROUGH KIOSK
(PLANNING CASE
21‐02)
Item 8.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.2, Resolution approving
amendment to Planned Unit Development and site plan approval for Hy‐Vee
drive‐through kiosk – 8200 42nd Avenue North (New Hope Planning Case 21‐02).
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development assistant, illustrated the plans
presented by Hy‐Vee for the construction of a 1,200 square foot drive‐through
kiosk on the west side of their grocery store, four drive‐through grocery pick‐up
lanes with an overhead canopy, and new curbing and landscaping around the
building. He stated the vehicles would enter the kiosk from the south. A similar
request was made in 2019 by Hy‐Vee but was not pursued due to the pandemic.
Mr. Bell explained the proposed kiosk resembles the main Hy‐Vee grocery store in
design. The building material will be modular brick with fastener panels and grey
metal panels to accompany the look of the main building. However, the majority
of the proposed materials is classified as “secondary building materials” and per
the New Hope Design Guidelines the primary building materials should cover at
least 60% of the façade. He recommended that Council authorize staff to provide
some flexibility in assessing whether the replacement materials lend to an overall
appearance meeting design standards.
Mr. Bell stated the planning commission expressed concern regarding traffic
congestion at the north side of the property. The applicant has agreed to install
“Do Not Enter” and “Stop” signs at the exit of the drive through lanes to help
alleviate potential problems between vehicles exiting the drive through and those
entering off of Xylon Avenue. The planning commission reviewed the request at
its March 2 meeting and recommended approval with an 8‐0 vote, subject to the
conditions outlined in the resolution. Mr. Bell reviewed the conditions of approval.
Mr. Daniel Parks, Westwood Professional Services, representing H‐Vee was
recognized. He stated the kiosk will be comprised of concrete, brick, and panels
and flexibility in building materials is being requested.
Council Member London inquired of the amount of brick proposed for the
building and the cost difference between brick and the proposed alternative. He
stated the city’s design guidelines require high quality materials and the Council
should uphold the standards.
Mr. Parks indicated the proposed materials are a complementary product to the
Hy‐Vee building. He indicated he could obtain the answers requested of Council
Member London from the architect.
New Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 4
Mr. Jeff Sargent, director of community development, was recognized. He stated
the applicant intends to meet the design guidelines as close as possible and has
made a plea to the Council to approve the plans with staff’s final review. He noted
Hy‐Vee intends to follow the same plans for all their stores in the metro area.
Mayor Hemken recommended allowing staff the flexibility to approve or deny the
design.
Council discussed the purpose of the design guidelines and the desire to be
mindful of Hy‐Vee’s timeline. Director Sargent pointed out that the guidelines
were put in place prior to the existence of the proposed building materials (panels).
He stated the city planner could be consulted to ensure the building material meet
performance and aesthetics standards.
City Attorney Stacy Woods stated she could revise the resolution to add a
condition to address the process for the review and approval of the building
materials.
Council Member Elder asked staff to apprise Council of the outcome.
RESOLUTION 2021‐37
Item 8.2
Council Member Isenberg introduced the following resolution subject to inclusion
of an additional condition regarding building materials and moved its adoption:
“RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR HY‐VEE DRIVE‐
THROUGH KIOSK – 8200 42ND AVENUE NORTH (NEW HOPE PLANNING
CASE 21‐02).” 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; and the
following voted against the same: London; 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.
CORNER PARK
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1055)
Item 8.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.3, Resolution approving plans
and specifications and authorizing advertisement of bids for playground
improvement site work at Corner Park (Improvement Project No. 1055).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, stated he will review items 8.3 and 8.4 as one
presentation as they are being bid as one larger project for better pricing.
Mr. Boyum stated Council is asked to approve plans and specifications and
authorize advertisement for bids for playground improvement site work at Corner
Park. He reported Corner Park is located at 4653 47th Avenue North, and the
equipment was last replaced in 1997. The neighborhood has been involved with
selection of playground equipment similar to other past park projects. The site
work includes replacement of the playground container, entrance ramp,
replacement of the sidewalk, and a concrete pad for a bench for an estimated cost
of $87,300. The total estimated project cost (including playground equipment) is
$183,625.91. Funding of $185,000 is available in the Park Infrastructure Fund.
New Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 5
Next, Mr. Boyum reviewed the plans to replace the 30‐year old basketball court at
Little Acre Park located at 4948 Zealand Avenue North. The footings and
basketball hoops will also be replaced. The estimated cost is $70,200, and $80,000
has been budgeted for the project.
Mr. Boyum reviewed the proposed project schedule.
Council discussed the size and durability of the proposed shade structure at
Corner Park.
Director Rader explained that shade structures are being added to parks that lack
shade or mature trees. She stated the size is largely decided upon by neighborhood
input. She stated there has not been any problems with prior similar shade devices.
Council Member London inquired of the basketball court slope to ensure proper
water drainage.
Mr. Boyum stated the grading plan is 1% to allow proper water runoff.
Council Member Elder inquired regarding drain tile at Corner Park.
Mr. Boyum stated there is existing drain tile, but more may be added if deemed
necessary.
RESOLUTION 2021‐38
Item 8.3
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDS FOR PLAYGROUND
IMPROVEMENT SITE WORK AT CORNER PARK (IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1055).” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was seconded by Council Member London, 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.
BASKETBALL COURT
REPLACEMENT
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1059)
Item 8.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.4, Resolution approving plans
and specifications and authorizing advertisement of bids for the basketball court
replacement at Little Acre Park (Improvement Project No. 1059).
(Refer to Item 8.3).
RESOLUTION 2021‐39
Item 8.4
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZING ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDS FOR THE BASKETBALL
COURT REPLACEMENT AT LITTLE ACRE PARK (IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1059).” 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;
New Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 6
whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
ORGANICS
COLLECTION
Item 10.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Ordinance No. 21‐02, An
Ordinance amending New Hope City Code Sections 1‐2, 8‐14, 9‐11, and 9‐42
relating to garbage, recycling and source separated organics; and adoption of
summary ordinance.
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development assistant, stated in 2018 Hennepin
County ordered cities to offer organics collections to their residents by January 1,
2022. He stated the city councils that comprise the Hennepin Recycling Group
(HRG) cities discussed the mandate and decided the best approach to fulfill the
obligation was to require all licensed refuse haulers to offer a source separated
organics collection program.
The ordinance amendment is recommended to update verbiage and to comply
with the county’s mandate that all garbage haulers offer organics collections by
January 1, 2022. The city has been communicating with garbage haulers and they
are aware of the requirement. He noted the HRG also telephoned all haulers of the
proposed ordinance, and there was no feedback.
Mr. Bell stated staff and the HRG administrator reviewed the proposed ordinance
change at the February 16 work session. At the work session, a concern was raised
that the requirement may potentially add more trucks to city streets and the
question was raised whether the city could require that all refuse haulers collect
organics and refuse with a single truck. The city attorney conducted research on
the issue and advised that the city could face legal challenges if it tries to regulate
how the collectors pick up the organics. Staff recommends adoption of ordinance
21‐02, but the license requirement for organics collections will not be enforced until
January 1, 2022.
Mr. Bell noted that Randy’s Sanitation currently offers organics recycling and the
program is utilized by only 38 residents. He stated it is not anticipated that truck
traffic will greatly increase due to the requirement.
Council Member London pointed out that economics will dictate whether it is cost
effective for haulers to operate an additional truck or not.
ORDINANCE 21‐02
Item 10.1
Council Member London introduced the following ordinance and moved its
adoption: “ORDINANCE NO. 21‐02, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING NEW
HOPE CITY CODE SECTIONS 1‐2, 8‐14, 9‐11, AND 9‐42 RELATING TO
GARBAGE, RECYCLING AND SOURCE SEPARATED ORGANICS; AND
ADOPTION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE.” 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 resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
New Hope City Council March 22, 2021
Page 7
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 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk