02 22 22 Work Session Minutes
City Council Work Session February 22, 2022
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes
Work Session Meeting
February 22, 2022
Northwood Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in work session pursuant to due call and notice thereof;
Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Staff present:
Kirk McDonald, City Manager
Jeff Alger, Community Development Specialist
Brandon Bell, CD Coordinator/Management Analyst
Sarah Larson, WMRFD Chief
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Stacy Woods, City Attorney
2022 SURVEY WITH
MORRIS
LEATHERMAN
Item 11.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.1, Discuss professional community‐
wide survey in 2022 with Morris Leatherman Company.
Mr. Brandon Bell, Community Development Coordinator/Management Analyst,
explained the city has conducted a professional community‐wide survey every ten
years since 1995 with the most recent survey being conducted in 2015. He explained
the professional survey scheduled to be conducted in 2020 was delayed in 2020 and
2021 due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. He stated the 2022 budget contains funds for a
professional survey. He stated some of the questions included in the 2015 survey
regarding replacement of the City Hall and pool facility and some redevelopment
activities are no longer relevant. He recommended inclusion of a question regarding
organized garbage collection as the topic was frequently mentioned in the 2021 city
services survey.
Mr. Peter Leatherman of the Morris Leatherman Company was introduced. He
explained the phone survey includes 400 samples from New Hope residents with a
combination of land lines and cell phone numbers. He stated the cost of the survey is
tied to the number of questions and the number of households that are surveyed. He
stated over the past two years other cities have added questions regarding perceptions
of public safety, perceptions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and impact of COVID (how
residents felt the city handled communications concerning the pandemic). He also
recommended changing the question on income level to more of a financial situation
question.
City Council Work Session February 22, 2022
Page 2
Council reviewed the 2015 survey questions. Council Member Elder expressed interest
in adding questions that could help the city uncover challenges with mental health
issues.
Mr. Leatherman indicated he will provide a draft survey to city staff within two weeks,
and Council can still provide additional input.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated it is necessary for Council to approve the
expenditure for the survey. An agreement will be placed on a future council agenda
after the final number of survey questions are determined.
Mr. Leatherman stated after the survey results are summarized, he will meet with the
City Council at a work session and again at a council meeting to share the results.
VALUES AND
VISION STATEMENT
Item 11.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.2, Reaffirm Values and Vision
Statement.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, explained as part of the state performance
measurement program, the Council must reaffirm the values and vision statement on
an annual basis. He stated the statement was last reaffirmed in February of 2021.
Council reaffirmed the Values and Vision Statement.
FAIR HOUSING
POLICY
Item 11.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.3, Discuss Fair Housing Policy.
Mr. Jeff Sargent, community development director, explained in recent years several
metro cities have developed Fair Housing Policies, including Brooklyn Park, Golden
Valley, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park. One of the common goals of the policy
throughout other cities is to ensure that fair and equal housing opportunities are
available to all persons in all housing initiatives and development activities funded by
the city regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, status
with regard to public assistance, creed, familial status, national origin, or disability.
This is achieved through external practices that provide access to fair housing
information and referral services and through internal practices and procedures that
promote fair housing inclusion. He stated some grant opportunities require or give
preference to cities that have adopted Fair Housing Policies.
He reviewed the draft policy with Council. He noted the policy designates the Director
of Community Development as the responsible entity for the intake and referral of all
fair housing complaints. It also states that the city will publish information about fair
housing on its website. This includes links to resources such as the Department of
Housing and Urban Development and Minnesota Department of Human Rights, as
well as links to state and federal fair housing complaint forms.
Council Member London questioned whether having a housing policy in place would
present any legal issues if the city placed limitations on rental housing or group homes.
He noted the city of Waconia may limit the amount of rental housing as it requires
extra city resources.
City Council Work Session February 22, 2022
Page 3
Mr. Sargent noted the policy is a guiding document only and is not the same as a city
ordinance. He commented that currently the city cannot prohibit group homes from
residential neighborhoods but may be able to limit the number of group homes in the
future as a result of potential federal law changes.
Ms. Stacy Woods, city attorney, stated the city cannot legislate group homes out of the
city. She stated language in the housing policy directs the city to follow federal housing
laws and prevent discrimination.
Mr. Jeff Alger, community development specialist, pointed out that both Minneapolis
and St. Paul are first class cities and are permitted to restrict the number of group
homes within a quarter mile. He stated both cities have elected not to enforce the rule.
He noted if a law came into effect that would limit group homes for New Hope, the
housing policy would not impact such a law.
Mr. McDonald questioned training opportunities.
Mr. Sargent stated community development staff would be trained in official and fair
housing laws, and training opportunities are available for staff and potentially for
elected officials.
Council expressed support for the policy and directed staff to place the item on a future
agenda.
EXTERIOR
IMPROVEMENT
REBATE PROGRAM
Item 11.4
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.4, Discuss exterior improvement
rebate program.
Mr. Jeff Alger, community development specialist, explained staff is requesting that
the City Council consider implementation of an exterior improvement rebate program
for single‐ and two‐family homes. He stated in the last three years residents have been
asked in the city services survey whether they would be interested in financial
assistance for home repair and improvement projects if offered by the city, and last
year 56% of participants responded affirmatively. He stated the goal of the program
could be to encourage homeowners to make improvements to the exterior of their
home, specifically in areas that are visible from the street. Improving the curbside
appeal of properties within the city would aid in improving the overall housing stock,
instill confidence into neighborhoods, and increase home values. Staff believes an
exterior improvement rebate program would complement the city’s existing housing
programs and would be a good use of some general fund surplus and EDA funds. The
cities of Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Fridley have implemented “Front Door Grant
Programs” in recent years to incentivize improving the curb appeal of homes. New
Hope’s pilot program could utilize some aspects of these programs with a heavy
emphasis on improving the exterior appearance of a property as opposed to interior
remodeling projects or the build‐out of unfinished living space. Staff has prepared the
framework of what an exterior improvement program might involve. The program
could be adjusted after the first year depending on demand and feedback. He
recommended allocating $100,000 from the general fund surplus to support
implementation of the program in its first year. Any unused funds from the initial year
City Council Work Session February 22, 2022
Page 4
of the program would be held over to provide funding in subsequent years. Funds in
the EDA reserves could cover the costs of an exterior improvement rebate program in
future years. He emphasized the goal of the program is to provide an incentive for the
homeowner to go above and beyond what they may have originally planned to
accomplish.
He asked Council for feedback on the framework of the program.
Council Member Hoffe asked how residents would learn about the program.
Mr. Alger indicated the city would work with the communications coordinate to
advertise the new program in various ways (city newsletter, website, flyers, social
media posts).
Mr. Alger stated if Council is supportive of a program, he would present a draft for
formal approval at a future EDA meeting. He stated decisions need to be made
regarding whether there would be eligibility restrictions based on income, home value,
or age of home.
Mayor Hemken asked whether the program would include driveway repair or
replacement.
Mr. Alger stated a repair or replacement would not be eligible; however, an upgrade
from a gravel driveway to asphalt, concrete or brick pavers would qualify. He noted
the goal of the program is for homeowners to make visible improvements; it is not
intended for general maintenance issues.
Director Sargent indicated many of the improvements made at Fridley and Coon
Rapids were for driveway improvements.
Mayor Hemken stated New Hope’s program could possibly be expanded in the future
to include driveway improvements if there is a high demand for it.
Council Member London stated although he supports beautification of the city, he does
not support an exterior improvement rebate program through the use of tax dollars.
Mr. Sargent noted a 25% rebate may be sufficient incentive to residents to undertake
improvements that might not have otherwise taken place.
Council Member Isenberg indicated the program could be instituted and phased out if
it is not successful.
Mr. Kirk McDonald, city manager, stated the guidelines must be as well defined as
possible including the types of qualifying projects.
The majority of the Council was supportive of creating an exterior improvement rebate
program with an initial funding of $100,000.
City Council Work Session February 22, 2022
Page 5
WMFRD UPDATE
Item 11.5
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.5, Update from West Metro Fire‐
Rescue District.
Ms. Sarah Larson, fire chief of West Metro Fire‐Rescue District, updated Council on
district activities. She stated in the year 2021 there were 1,169 total calls for service for
New Hope and 890 calls for service for Crystal. She stated the higher call volume in
New Hope is due to more commercial properties (fire alarm systems) and nursing
homes (medicals).
Chief Larson indicated police and fire command staff will be meeting on a quarterly
basis beginning in 2022 to increase communications. She stated the first meeting will
be held March 1 to discuss policy and procedures, areas of improvement, and any new
events or awareness issues.
She reported on retirements and recruitments. She stated application was made for the
SAFER grant for three employees and grant awards should be known by this fall. Chief
Larson reported on the successful “Be a Santa to a Senior” program, ballistic vests
purchase, and security camera/controls planned for fire station entrances. She also
updated Council on fire vehicles. She stated the new engines are in the engineering
phase of construction and the tentative delivery date of the first truck is December of
2022 with the others to follow in 2023. She stated an existing engine has been sold to a
company in Mexico for $200,000.
Council Member London inquired regarding the process if the district is awarded the
SAFER grant since Crystal was not in agreement. Chief Larson stated she would need
to meet again with Crystal to determine if they agree to acceptance of the grant.
Council thanked the fire chief for the report.
CITY MANAGER
POSITION VACANCY
PROCESS
Item 11.6
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion item 11.6, Discuss process regarding city
manager position vacancy.
Mayor Hemken reported City Manager Kirk McDonald will retire June 1, 2022, and it
is necessary to decide whether to proceed with an internal promotion or utilize a
recruitment firm to conduct an external recruitment process. She asked Mr. Rich
Johnson, director of HR/Administrative Services, to present information from search
firms.
Mr. Johnson shared information submitted by four recruitment firms (Baker Tilly,
DDA Human Resources, Inc., Gov HR USA, and Mercer Group Associates). He stated
the cost ranges from $17,500 to $24,500, and the timeline is four to five months. He
stated some of the firms offer a 12‐month guarantee for employee retention (no cost to
repeat a recruitment process if new employee leaves within a certain period). He stated
a firm would screen applicants and Council could view the semi‐finalists’ information
to determine which candidates to interview as finalists.
Mayor Hemken spoke of the benefits of promoting from within the organization and
the need to have an interim city manager.
City Council Work Session February 22, 2022
Page 6
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of the city manager position.
Council directed staff to invite employees who are qualified and interested in the
position to submit a letter of interest and resume to City Clerk Valerie Leone by March
1 for interviews on March 7. Council also directed staff to request presentations by
Baker Tilly and Mercer Group Associates on March 7 to help Council make a
determination on whether to conduct an external recruitment process or not.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. as there was no further business to come
before the Council at its work session.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk