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.