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In Touch_January/February 2022The New Hope City Council approved the 2022 City of New Hope budget and tax levy at its Dec. 13 meeting. The 2022 general fund budget is $16,179,193, which is an increase of $242,216, or 1.5%, over the 2021 budget. The tax levy for the entire 2022 budget is $18,231,011, representing a 4.67% increase over the 2021 levy of $17,417,601. The total levy includes a 5% increase in the street and park infrastructure levies to support long-term funding plans for street and park improvements. Three bond debt tax levies are increasing in 2022 while another three are decreasing, resulting in overall combined debt tax levies decreasing by $1,797 in 2022. Also included in the preliminary 2022 budget is a new Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) tax levy of $417,000 to help fund redevelopment activities, including the Scattered Site Housing Program. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) tax levy is reduced by $212,000 in 2022 to offset the overall increase. Significant changes in the budget for 2022 include: • An increase of $281,056 for wage and benefit increases, a 3% cost of living adjustment and an increase in the city’s share of health insurance coverage and a comparable cities adjustment. The budget also includes a 3% increase in City Council salaries. • An increase of $105,000 in IT charges. • An increase of $65,859 in the budget for West Metro Fire-Rescue District due to a 4.9% increase in New Hope’s share of the joint powers agreement. • A $50,000 increase for the emerald ash borer removal/replacement program on public property (city right-of-ways, parks, etc.) due to the increasing occurrence of the disease in the northwest metro area. • A $39,000 increase in the budget for election costs due to the gubernatorial election in 2022. • A $315,454 decrease in central garage charges, primarily in the police department (for leasing vehicles) and the street department (reduced equipment purchases). • A decrease of $130,000 in building permits and related revenue, as the Windsor Ridge single-family home development will be nearly completed in early 2022. New Hope is scheduled to receive $866,642 in local government aid in 2022, a $4,916 increase over 2021. The revenue will be utilized in the general fund to offset central garage equipment and building replacement charges and is not used for general operations. While the overall tax rate may appear high compared to other cities, New Hope includes infrastructure improvements in general property tax levy rather than assessing the benefiting property owner (the street levy is approximately 13% of local tax levy). Thus, New Hope does not assess taxable properties for street improvements. The complete budget and presentation may be found on the city website at newhopemn.gov/finance. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 NO. 212 What's Inside Getting In Touch NEW HOPE CITY HALL4401 Xylon Avenue North New Hope, MN 55428 763.531.5100 CITY WEBSITE newhopemn.gov EMAIL cityhall@newhopemn.gov NEW HOPE CITY COUNCIL Mayor - Kathi Hemken khemken@newhopemn.gov | 763.537.7990 Council Member - John Elder jelder@newhopemn.gov | 612.578.4322 Council Member - Andy Hoffe ahoffe@newhopemn.gov | 763.537.2647 Council Member - Michael Isenberg misenberg@newhopemn.gov | 612.568.2337 Council Member - Jonathan London jlondon@newhopemn.gov | 763.546.1293 City Manager - Kirk McDonald kmcdonald@newhopemn.gov | 763.531.5112 FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Inspections: 763.531.5127 Parks and Recreation: 763.531.5151 Public Works: 763.592.6777 Utility Billing: 763.592.6760 Police (non-emergency): 763.531.5170 NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 1 A PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA A great place to grow! 4401 Xylon Avenue North New Hope, MN 55428 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2330 Current resident or CITY OF NEW HOPE City Council Approves 2022 City Budget and Tax Levy Council Approves Utility Rates for 2022 At the Dec. 13 New Hope City Council Meeting, Council approved increases to multiple incremental utility rates for 2022. The total impact of the utility fee increases for an average residential utility customer (who uses 5,000 gallons of water per month) is estimated to be $3.90 per month. Water rates increased by 4% for 2022. The base fee increased 37¢ to $9.69. New Hope has a graduated water rate scale to encourage conservation. The volume rate per 1,000 gallons for up to 10,000 gallons increased 27¢ to $7.14. Higher volume rates also saw a 4% increase over 2021 rates. Sanitary sewer rates also increased by 4%. The minimum fee increased 37¢ to $9.71 (which includes the first 1,000 gallons). The volume rate increased 25¢ for each additional 1,000 gallons. The storm drainage fee increased by 4%, or 35¢ per residential unit each month, to $9.13. The street light fee increased by 5%. The recycling fee increased by 25¢ per month to $4.00. The operation, maintenance and capital improvements of the city’s sanitary sewer, water and storm sewer utility systems are funded by separate enterprise funds in New Hope’s budget. The revenue for each of those funds comes from the fees charged to the city’s utility customers. The fees also cover the cost of purchasing water from the City of Minneapolis and sewage disposal costs from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. The 2022 utility rates went into effect on Jan. 1. For additional information visit the utility billing section of the city’s website. State of the City The New Hope City Council and city staff invite residents and members of the local business community to attend the 2022 State of the City presentation on Feb. 2 at 8:30 a.m. at New Hope City Hall. The presentation highlights projects and activities completed throughout 2021 and provides a preview of what’s to come in 2022. More details may be found on the city website at newhopemn.gov. PAGE 2 Changes to Bulky Waste Curbside Cleanup Call to Report Damage Caused by Snowplows Suspect a Water Main Break? Report it Immediately! Don't Slip Up, Be a Smart Salter Work Outside this Summer, Aquatic Park Now Hiring! Mark Your Calendars PAGE 3 New Hope Police Officers, Sergeant Receive Award 2021 In Focus Photo Contest Winners Carbon Monoxide Safety Reminders Be a Good Neighbor, Clear Snowy Sidewalks PAGE 4 New Hope Announces Employee of the Year Employee of the Quarter New Hope Crime Prevention Fund Valentine Luncheon Recreation Corner Mark Your Calendars FEBRUARY Feb. 2 New Hope State of the City Planning Commission Meeting Feb. 7 Human Rights Commission Meeting Feb. 8 Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting Feb. 14 City Council Meeting Feb. 21 City Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day Feb. 22 City Council Work Session Feb. 28 City Council Meeting MARCH March 1 Planning Commission Meeting Parks & Recreation Summer Programming Registration Begins Aquatic Park 2022 Season Passes on Sale March 7 Human Rights Commission Meeting March 8 Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting March 14 City Council Meeting March 21 City Council Work Session March 28 City Council Meeting March 28- Bulky Waste Curbside Cleanup April 6 City Council and Commission Meetings begin at 7 p.m. City Council Work Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held at New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave N unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome to attend. NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 2 Changes to Bulky Waste Curbside Clean Up The bulky waste curbside cleanup event is back this spring with some minor changes. New Hope collection will occur between March 28 and April 6. With the cost of the program more than doubling in the past five years, there will be limits on the amount of material collected this year. Changes include: • General junk and household building materials: Pile limited to ONE level truck bed (Generally 4’x8’x2’). • Unusable furniture: Limit TWO. • Mattresses or box springs: Limit TWO. • Appliances: Limit TWO. Items exceeding limits will be left behind by the hauler. Residents will need to arrange and pay for separate disposal. A postcard with collection date will be mailed to each residence in March. Collection dates may also be found using the interactive map at hrg-recycling.org or the calendar available in the Brooklyn Park HRG recycling app. Suspect a Water Main Break? Report it Immediately Approximately 90% of the city’s water main breaks happen during the winter months. This is due to cold temperatures causing frost deep in the ground which can cause breaks in utility pipes. A water main break typically looks like water coming up from the pavement and flowing down the street. The city asks residents to report any suspected water main breaks immediately. Contact New Hope Public Works at 763.592.6777 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to report a suspected break. If it’s after hours, contact the New Hope Police Department’s non-emergency line at 763.531.5170. If there’s no answer, you’ll be routed to dispatch for assistance. Call to Report Damage Caused by Snowplows New Hope’s snowplow drivers work diligently to keep city roads clean and safe, however, snow removal equipment occasionally damages turf or mailboxes. Nearly all the damage caused by snowplows occurs in the city-owned boulevard, typically the first 12 to 15 feet behind the curb. Residents who place irrigation systems, trees, shrubs, flower beds, brick, stone or other items in the boulevard do so at their own risk. Public works staff typically begins repairing snowplow damage in early May. Boulevard turf damage is repaired with black dirt and grass seed. Once the repair has been made, homeowners are responsible for watering and maintaining the new grass. Due to limited resources, it is difficult for the city to repair boulevard damage as quickly as it would like. Residents can help by replacing pieces of sod that have been ripped out. The sod will usually re-root if the divot is picked up in a timely manner and the grass underneath it does not die. The city will repair mailbox damage and supporting posts if they are properly located behind the curb line and if the damage is a result of actual contact with the snowplow. The city will not assume responsibility for damages that are caused by mailboxes that protrude into the street or that are damaged by the pressure of the snow against the post of the mailbox. To help prevent damage to mailboxes from the pressure of pushed snow during removal, make sure to clear snow around mailboxes and posts. A standard design mailbox will be used for replacements. The city will not replace decorative or specialty mailboxes. Property owners who install decorative materials in the right-of-way do so at their own risk. If your lawn or mailbox is damaged by a snowplow this winter, please call New Hope Public Works at 763.592.6777. Residents who live along county roads should contact Hennepin County for assistance at 763.745.7700. Don't Slip Up, Be a Smart Salter Many rely on salt to help rid driveways and sidewalks of ice during the long Minnesota winter. But did you know, it only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water? Winter salting makes a big impact on Minnesota lakes, streams, groundwater and wastewater, including long-term damage to local waterbodies like Northwood and Meadow lakes. Reducing salt usage by salting smartly helps minimize damage to infrastructure, vehicles, plants and water supply. • Shovel - Clear walkways before snow turns to ice. When you remove snow and ice by shoveling, you’ll need less salt, and it will work more effectively. Apply salt only if needed. Salt may not be necessary once the snow is cleared. • Select - Salt doesn’t melt ice below 15°F. Most products stop working at this temperature. Use sand for traction when it’s too cold but remember that sand does not melt ice. Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for working temperatures and application. • Scatter - Use salt only when critical. Aim for three inches of space between salt granules. Use less than four pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet. One pound of salt equals about a heaping 12-ounce coffee mug full. A hand-held spreader can help apply a consistent amount. • Sweep - Clean up leftover salt, sand and deicer to save and reuse as needed. Salt or sand that’s visible on dry pavement is no longer working and will be washed away. It can be used somewhere else or thrown away. One coffee mug of salt is enough to cover approximately 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway. Photo credit: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Work Outside This Summer, Aquatic Park Now Hiring! The New Hope Aquatic Park is now hiring for all summer seasonal jobs. Positions include lifeguards, concessions, guest services, maintenance and more. If you are not lifeguard certified but would like to be, we will be holding a class before the season starts. Visit newhopemn.gov for applications or class registration. Call 763.531.5151 with questions or for more details. NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 3 2021 In Focus Photo Contest Winners The twelfth annual New Hope In Focus Photo Contest came to a conclusion in mid-December as the 2021 winning photos were announced. Photographers who live, work or go to school in New Hope were asked to capture the beauty and uniqueness the city has to offer. Twenty photographers entered the contest by the mid-October deadline. Photos were scored based on subject matter, composition, clarity, lighting, depth of field, drama/artistry, difficulty, technical excellence and overall impact. Throughout November, community members voted for their favorite photo in the People's Choice category. Thank you to everyone who entered! Overall Highest Score and Nature Category Winner "Goldfinch Portrait" by Jerry Vincent People & Families Category Winner "Weed Killer" by Dack Nehring City Landmarks Category Winner "Reflection" by Julian Monks Youth Photographer Category Winner "The Hawks Nest" by Aaliyah James People's Choice Category Winner "Ghost Runner" by Branden Wiater Be a Good Neighbor, Clear Snowy Sidewalks Many community members rely on sidewalks to get to their destinations. Uncleared sidewalks make travel difficult and dangerous for pedestrians, including those who have limited mobility. Per New Hope City Code, it is the responsibility of residents and business owners to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Snow must be removed from sidewalks within 12 hours of snowfall. New Hope Police Officers, Sergeant Receive Award of Commendation On Dec. 13, 2021, New Hope Police Officers Rajaneé Michael and Daniel Fitzmaurice and Sergeant Mike TenEyck received the Crystal Police Department Chief's Award of Commendation. The awards, presented by Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering at the New Hope City Council meeting, recognized their actions in response to a 911 hang-up call on Sept. 20, 2021, in Crystal. Per the commendation: “The Crystal Police Department Chief's Award of Commendation is presented to 'an individual who has gone above and beyond to assist the Department or the Community' and is proudly being presented to New Hope Police Officers Rajaneé Michael and Daniel Fitzmaurice and Sergeant Michael TenEyck with great appreciation and gratitude for their brave and decisive work and life-saving measures on this call. In very large part because of their quick actions, train- ing and calmness during a very chaotic scene, at least two lives were saved and a violent assailant was arrested without incident.” Officer Michael joined the New Hope Police Department in early 2021, and Officer Fitzmaurice has worked for the department since 2017. Sergeant TenEyck joined the department in 2008 and was promoted to sergeant in 2020. From left to right: New Hope Sergeant Mike TenEyck, Officer Daniel Fitzmaurice, Officer Rajaneé Michael and Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering. THANK YOU! A very big THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the city’s holiday food and toy drives this year! The generosity of the New Hope community helped many local families this holiday season. Throughout 2021 the City of New Hope collected and donated 1,493 pounds of food! Carbon Monoxide Safety Reminders Winter can be a prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning as people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, striking victims caught off guard. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned. The National Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated or battery- backup carbon monoxide detector in your home near the bedrooms and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks in the spring and fall. Detectors should be replaced every five years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these additional tips: • Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. • Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors. • Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced in just minutes. • Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year, and make sure your fire- place damper is open before lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished. • Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly; never use a gas oven for heating your home. • Never let a car idle in the garage that is attached to a house, even with the garage door open; always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when running a car inside. Steps to Take When Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounds • Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm or try to find the source of the gas. • Immediately move outside to fresh air. • Call emergency services, fire department or 911. • Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. • Do not reenter the premises until emergency responders have given you permission to do so.4 TRUCKLOADS OF TOYS 190 WINTER COATS 726 POUNDS OF FOOD Celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early on Friday, Feb. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with friends and loved ones at a special luncheon overlooking the scenic New Hope Golf Course. Participants, ages 18 and older, will receive a box lunch from Sweet Taste of Italy, including spaghetti, breadstick, salad, brownie, water and beverage. The cost is $22 for residents of New Hope, Brooklyn Center and Crystal and $29 for nonresidents. For more information or to register, visit newhopemn.gov/rec or call 763.531.5151. Justin Janson, New Hope Police Department’s School Resource Officer, was named New Hope’s Employee of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2021. Officer Janson was nominated for his professionalism in working with students at Cooper High School in even the most challenging of situations. Janson has been a school resource officer since September 2021. Janson joined the New Hope Police Department in 2015 and received a Chief’s Commendation in 2018. NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 4 Recreation Corner 2021-2022 NEW HOPE SNOWMAN/SNOW SCULPTURE CONTEST Have some fun in the snow! This winter, the New Hope Citizen Advisory Commission is sponsoring the fifth-annual snowman/snow sculpture contest. Residents are invited to create a snowman or snow sculpture and then submit a photo of their masterpiece anytime between now and March 31. More than one entry is okay! You can work as an individual, a family, a neighborhood or even a work group. Please email your photo to rec@newhopemn.gov and include your name, address and title for your creation. Prizes will be awarded after the contest. Please note that prizes will be limited to New Hope residents and businesses. ADULT SOFTBALL REGISTRATION Registration begins Feb. 7 for new teams to sign-up for New Hope’s slow-pitch adult softball leagues. Leagues offered include Men’s Upper D leagues on Tuesdays or Thursdays, Men’s Lower D and Men’s E leagues on Mondays or Wednesdays and Co-Rec D leagues on Sundays or Tuesdays (double-header). League play begins in late April or early May. DEVELOP YOUTH ATHLETIC SKILLS New Hope offers soccer, volleyball and basketball classes through RevSports that focus on skill development and fun. Soccer meets on Sunday evenings from March 6-April 10 (no class on March 20). There are separate sessions for kids ages 3-5, 5-7 and 6-9. Basketball meets Tuesday evenings from Feb. 22 to March 29 (no class on March 22). There are three sessions for kids ages 4-6, 5-7 and 6-9. Volleyball meets on Monday evenings from Feb. 28-April 4 (no class on March 21). There are two sessions for kids ages 6-8 and 8-11. The resident fee for any five- week session is $59. SPRING BREAK CAMPS New Hope is offering one-day spring break sports camps for soccer and basketball. These camps are skill-based and run by RevSports staff. Soccer is held March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and basketball is held March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the New Hope Community Gyms. Musical theater camps are on March 21-24 at the Crystal Community Center. Peter Pan is for ages 4-8 from 9 a.m. to noon, and Hamilton is for ages 7-12 from 1 to 4 p.m. OPEN SKATING Are you looking for indoor fun during these long winter days? Open skating is offered through March, most Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Skate rental is available during open skating with hockey and figure skates available in sizes youth 8 to adult 13 and costs $3 per pair. Schedules for open skating are available at the ice arena or online at newhopemn.gov/rec. CLUBHOUSE RENTAL The New Hope Village Golf Course clubhouse is available to rent through March. The clubhouse is the perfect place for all kinds of events, including birthday and anniversary parties, baby and bridal showers, groom dinners and wedding receptions, business meetings and more. The clubhouse can accommodate groups of up to 75. COMMUNITY GYMS AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL The New Hope Community Gyms, located on the north side of Cooper High School, 8230 47th Ave, are available for community use during non-school hours. The facility includes two gyms, which can be converted into a full-sized basketball or volleyball court. The gyms are available for community use on weekdays after 6 p.m. during the school year and 24 hours a day on weekends, holidays and during the summer months. Call 763.531.5155 for details or to reserve gym time. For more information about these programs or to register, visit newhopemn.gov/rec or call the New Hope Parks and Recreation office at 763.531.5151. Valentine LuncheonNew Hope Announces Employee of the Year, Celebrates Anniversaries New Hope's Communications Coordinator, Beth Kramer, was named New Hope's 2021 Employee of the Year at the employee recognition event held on Dec. 9. Beth joined the city of New Hope in 2018 and was selected to become the city's communications coordinator in the spring of 2020. In her role, Beth has combined her in-depth knowledge of the city, her professional communications experience and her skills to bring her position to a new level of excellence. Beth was selected for the 2021 Employee of the Year award for the great job she does every day and how she does it. She is always willing to help anyone out to ensure the city is communicating in a clear, accurate and engaging fashion to its many audiences. Beth's nominator shared that even though she frequently has many things on her plate, she's always ready to listen, advise and help. With the continuation of the COVID era, she's continued to find creative ways to get the city's messages out. Beth has proposed new strategies to reach more community members, made significant gains in growing the city's social media and online presence and assisted with rolling out the New Hope Police Department's tip411 app. Beth is involved in almost everything happening in the city. If she isn't planning an event, she's promoting or marketing it, assisting with it or photographing it. Beth is always looking for ways to improve the city's communications, increase resident engagement and contribute any way she can to the team. Additional nominations for the award included Eric Hanson, building official; Carissa Hoyt, utility billing clerk; Brad Johnson, maintenance worker; Brad Kallio, community relations and crime prevention officer; Tony Portesan, recreation facilities supervisor; Aundrey Wallace and Kelly Thompson, maintenance workers and Bill Robberstad and Jeff Winkel, central garage supervisor and mechanic. The city also recognized the long-tenured employees of New Hope. Employees reaching a five-year milestone in 2021 include: 15 Years: Eric Hanson, building official Tim Hoyt, police chief Nadine Jacobs, police officer 10 Years: Dan Peacock, maintenance worker 5 Years: Pat Cunningham, maintenance worker Brandi Hearn, administrative specialist William Leon-Aguilar, police officer Walker MacBeath, HR specialist/IT coordinator Jason Ryan, police officer Lorilee Stafford, police clerk Janson Named Employee of the Quarter New Hope Crime Prevention Fund The New Hope Crime Prevention Fund Board is administered by a volunteer board of directors, whose purpose is to encourage the prevention of crime and apprehension of criminals in the city of New Hope. This is done by educating New Hope community members about methods of discouraging crime on their property and in the community and through the advancement, promotion and administration of charitable and educational activities in the community. Some programs supported by the board include National Night Out/Night to Unite, Neighborhood Watch, New Hope Safety Camp, New Hope Police K-9 and Police Explorers, Car Seat Safety Program, Bike Rodeo, Coffee with a Cop and Blue Santa. Your contributions are important and appreciated. Donations to the New Hope Crime Prevention Fund are tax-deductible under the 501c (3) guidelines of the Internal Revenue Code. Those interested in donating or getting involved can visit nhcpf.org or contact Officer Brad Kallio at 763.398.1229 or bkallio@newhopemn.gov.