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In Touch_March/April 2022A contractor will begin work this spring on the 2022 Infrastructure Improvement Project. The project involves street and utility improvements north of Bass Lake Road in the area west of Liberty Park. Streets included in the project were recommended for improvement based upon deteriorating pavement conditions as identified in the 2021 Pavement Management Plan as well as underlying utility conditions. The project’s feasibility report was presented and approved by New Hope City Council on Sept. 27, identifying specific street and utility improvement strategies. City staff held a “walk and talk” meeting in October, prior to the project’s Oct. 25 public hearing. City staff and engineers walked the project area along Independence Avenue, meeting with residents and discussing the details of the improvement project and answering property-specific questions. At the public hearing, the city engineer and staff discussed the project’s overall scope and proposed assessments for tax-exempt property. The project includes plans for water main, storm sewer, mill and overlay, and reclaim and overlay improvements. A large share of the utility work is associated with water main improvements along Bass Lake Road and Independence Avenue. The city has experienced several water main breaks in those two areas. Several sanitary sewer maintenance hole covers will be removed, with the lid, frame, and rings replaced in an effort to reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I) – the entrance of stormwater and ground- water into the sanitary sewer system. Based on feedback from New Hope residents during the walk and talk meeting and at the project’s public hearing, additional storm sewer structures and piping are included in the project plans at the south end of Independence Avenue to help with ongoing drainage issues. Road improvements include reclamation of a stretch of Independence Avenue. The pavement and base material will be removed and replaced due to poor pavement conditions. Additionally, more than a mile of roadway in the project area will receive mill and overlay treatment. The top two inches of pavement will be milled off and replaced. The new pavement will provide a smooth driving surface and extend the life of the street. The city received five bids at the Feb. 24 bid opening. Northwest Asphalt, Inc. was awarded the project contact at the March 14 city council meeting. Northwest Asphalt, Inc has worked with the city on a number of improvement projects in the past, including the 2020 Infrastructure Improvements. The total project cost is expected to be just over $1.63 million, which will be funded primarily by the street infrastructure and utility funds. Work is expected to be substantially completed this fall. MARCH/APRIL 2022 NO. 213 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 2022 Infrastructure Improvement Project Begins This Spring PAGE 2 Spring Street Sweeping Help Stop Emerald Ash Borer Clean Up Neighborhood Clutter Summer Seasonal Employment Opportunities Mark Your Calendars PAGE 3 New Hope City Council Candidate Filing Election Judges Needed Spring Home Improvement Projects? We Can Help! Hennepin Recycling Group Events and Information Report Potholes, Plow Damage and More PAGE 4 Distracted Driving Awareness Month Have You Used tip411? New Hope Village Golf Course Recreation Corner Make a Splash with an Aquatic Park Season Pass Purchase a season pass and enjoy unlimited access to all the amenities the New Hope Aquatic Park has to offer, including a shallow water recreation area with zero-depth entry, two giant water slides, current channel, vortex pool, tot slide and play features. Enjoy the 50- meter pool with diving boards, drop slide and the all-new Wibit! When you’re ready for a break, a full concessions menu and ample chaise lounge seating offer a welcome respite. Season passes are on sale now and are just $60 per person for residents of New Hope, Crystal and Golden Valley. Rates increase after June 3. For more details or to purchase a season pass visit newhopemn.gov/aquatics or call 763.531.5151. Property Value Concerns Do you think the 2022 estimated market value for your property is too high or too low? Call the Hennepin County Assessor’s Office at 763.531.5108. Property owners who still have concerns after calling the assessor’s office should attend the New Hope Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting on April 14 at 7 p.m. at New Hope City Hall. Mark Your Calendars APRIL April 1 Yard Waste Site Opens for Season April 4 Human Rights Commission Meeting April 11 City Council Meeting April 12 Citizen Advisory Commission April 14 Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting April 18 City Council Work Session April 25 City Council Meeting April 30 Special Materials Drop-Off Day MAY May 1-28 Step to It Challenge May 2 Human Rights Commission Meeting May 3 Planning Commission Meeting May 5 Bike Rodeo May 7 Golf Course Plant Sale May 9 City Council Meeting May 16 City Council Work Session May 23 City Council Meeting May 25 Music in the Park, Teddy Bear Band and Rich & The Resistors May 30 Memorial Day, City Offices Closed JUNE June 4 Vehicle Fair June 4-5 New Hope Aquatic Park Opening Weekend June 8 Music in the Park, Dirty Shorts Brass Band June 10 Food Truck Friday Begins June 11 Young Mudder 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 Help Stop Emerald Ash Borer The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive species of beetle first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The beetle has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the eastern half of the United States and Canada. The EAB beetle lays eggs between layers of bark in ash trees. When larvae hatch, they feed on the ash tree's inner bark, destroying its circulatory system for transporting food and water. Although the actual time it takes for an ash tree to die from EAB will vary based on the size of the tree and the severity of the infestation, on average it takes 2-5 years. The City of New Hope implemented an emerald ash borer program in 2010 to preemptively address the infestation by removing and replacing public ash trees. The program aims to protect, maintain and enhance the city's urban forest while mitigating the EAB infestation. Since the program's inception, the city has removed more than 800 ash trees from city boulevards and other public lands and funded or partially funded the replanting of more than 300 trees. Unfortunately, the EAB has made its way to many parts of the metro area, including New Hope. Removing infected trees before the adult beetles emerge in mid-to-late May is vital to reducing the infestation of new trees. Throughout the winter and into the spring, city crews have and continue to work to identify and remove trees infested with EAB from city parks to reduce the spread. A hired contractor has been removing infested boulevard trees. Under New Hope's Emerald Ash Borer Program, residents who have a boulevard ash tree removed may select a replacement tree from a list of tree species native to Minnesota, free of charge. Removal of private ash trees infested with the Emerald Ash Borer is the sole responsibility of the property owner. City staff, licensed under the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, can condemn infested ash trees. Once notified by the city, property owners have a defined amount of time to remove private trees according to city code. If the property fails to remove the infested trees within the given timeline, the city's hired contractor will remove the tree at the property owner's expense. DOES MY TREE HAVE EMERALD ASH BORER? Infested ash trees may show one or more of the following symptoms. • Increased Woodpecker Activity/Damage: Many species of woodpeckers feed on EAB larvae, pecking the tree's outer bark while foraging and creating large holes when extracting insects. • Canopy Dieback: A significant number of dead branches at the top of an ash tree may indicate EAB. It typically begins in the top one-third of the canopy and progresses until the tree is bare. • Epicormic Shoots: Tree sprouts growing from the roots and trunk with larger leaves than normal. • Bark Splitting: EAB larvae tunneling under the tree's bark can cause the bark to split open, creating cracks in the bark and exposing S-shaped larva tunnels underneath. • S-Shaped Galleries: The distinct S-shaped galleries under the bark indicate the presence of EAB. HELP STOP THE SPREAD Firewood is one of the most significant contributors to the spread of EAB. Help stop the spread of EAB and other invasive species by taking the following steps. • Purchase MDA/USDA certified heat-treated firewood. Certified firewood carries the lowest risk of transporting pests. • Buy firewood close to where it will be burned – the more local the wood is, the less likely it is to contain an invasive species not already in the area. • Don't store firewood for long periods. Emerald Ash Borer and any other tree issues should be reported to New Hope Public Works at 763.592.6777 or reported online at newhopemn.gov/reportanissue. Learn more about the forestry and emerald ash borer programs at newhopemn.gov/forestry. Clean Up Neighborhood Clutter Spring is a perfect time to ensure your yard is attractive, well-maintained and free of clutter. Here are a few important reminders from New Hope’s Inspections Department: • Garbage cans, recycling containers and yard waste bins must be stored inside or screened from view, except for the evening preceding and the day of refuse pickup. • Outside storage of materials and equipment is not permitted. Items should be stored within a building or fully screened, so they are not visible from adjoining properties. • Vehicles must be parked on a hard surface consisting of concrete or asphalt. Vehicles must be currently licensed and operable. • Commercial vehicles or equipment may not be stored in residential parking areas. • Tents may be used for recreational purposes, but not as permanent storage structures. More information may be found in the New Hope Property Maintenance Reference Guide available at newhopemn.gov/code or by calling inspections at 763.531.5127. Spring Street Sweeping Street sweeping is critical to protecting wetlands, lakes and streams from the trash, salt and debris that builds up on streets and along gutters throughout the year. New Hope Public Works contracts a company to sweep all streets each spring and fall. Spring street sweeping will take place in April, weather permitting. It takes approximately one week to complete, and residents are asked to avoid parking on the road while sweeping is underway. Doing spring yard cleanup? Please remember that it is a violation of New Hope City Code to dispose of grass, leaves or other yard waste into the street or gutter. Summer Seasonal Employment Opportunities The City of New Hope is accepting applications for a number of summer seasonal positions in the Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments. Several positions are available at the city’s popular new aquatic park, including lifeguard, water safety instructor, guest services and maintenance. Other positions include playground leader, program leader, field attendant and public works maintenance. Apply now at newhopemn.gov/jobs! NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 3 New Hope City Council Candidate Filing New Hope holds municipal elections in even-numbered years. A local primary election is held for local offices if the number of candidates filing for office is more than twice the number of seats available (i.e., if more than four candidates file for the two council seats). Offices on the 2022 ballot include two city council member seats. All positions are four-year terms, at-large (represent the entire city), and non-partisan. Candidates for public office must be an eligible voter in Minnesota, at least 21 years of age upon assuming office and have resided in the city 30 days prior to the General Election. HOW TO FILE The candidate filing period is May 17-31, 2022, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at New Hope City Hall, 4401 Xylon Ave N. Offices are open until 5 p.m. on May 31. Candidates who may be absent from the state during the filing period can make arrangements to file prior to departure by calling the New Hope City Clerk at 763.531.5117. There is a $5 filing fee or candidates may present a petition with the required number of signatures of eligible voters in lieu of the filing fee (Minnesota Statute 204B.07-204B.11). Contact New Hope City Clerk Valerie Leone at vleone@newhopemn.gov or 763.531.5117 with questions. Election Judges Needed The City of New Hope is seeking election judges for this year's election. Serving as an election judge provides an opportunity to learn about the elections process and is a great service to the community. Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each voting place on election day. These are paid positions. To be eligible to be an election judge, you must meet all the following state requirements: • Be eligible to vote (U.S. citizen, 18 years of age or older, maintain residence in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election). • Be able to read, write and speak English. • Must not be a candidate on the ballot or the spouse, parent, child, stepchild, sibling or stepsibling of the candidate at that election. • Must not be domiciled, either permanently or temporarily, with any candidate on the ballot at that election. • Must not be a spouse, parent, child, stepchild, sibling or stepsibling of any election judge serving in the same precinct. The city provides mandatory paid training. Election judges are needed for the Primary Election on Aug. 9 and the General Election on Nov. 8. Normal hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (some half-day shifts are available). Apply online at newhopemn.gov/jobs or contact the city clerk at vleone@newhopemn.gov or 763.531.5117 with questions. Report Potholes, Plow Damage and More Spring is a busy season for public works employees who work to fill potholes and restore any boulevard turf that the snowplows have damaged. Residents can report these and many more issues, including street light outages and weed violations, on the city’s website at newhopemn.gov/reportanissue. By using online reporting, residents will receive notification of actions taken without even picking up the phone! Those preferring to call can dial 763.592.6777 to reach New Hope Public Works. Nearly all of 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. New Hope will repair boulevard turf damage caused by snowplows with black dirt and grass seed. Public works staff will begin filling potholes as soon as hot-mix asphalt is available. Bins & Barrels Sale Purchase a rain barrel and/or compost bin at a reduced price through the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM). Starting in March, you can pre-order a bin or barrel on the RAM website at recycleminnesota.org/work/ compost-bins-rain-barrels/. New Hope residents receive a $20 discount, and purchasers may pick up orders at the Brooklyn Park Operations & Maintenance Facility on Saturday, May 7, from 8 to 11 a.m. (select City of Brooklyn Park on the website). Use the discount code HRG20OFF when ordering. Additional pickup dates are available by selecting other locations. Food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, stale bread, wilted lettuce, coffee grounds, eggshells and tea bags as well as weeds, faded flowers and vines are among the things you can put into your compost instead of your garbage. Use compost as mulch and plant food in your yard. Keeping organic waste out of your garbage reduces trash volume, occasionally allowing composters to switch to a smaller garbage cart and save money. Capture rain in a rain barrel and have a free water source for your garden. In addition to saving you money, rain barrels can keep moisture away from your foundation and prevent debris from washing into storm sewers. The number one item in trash bins is food scraps and non-recyclable paper such as napkins, also called organics. Organics recycling provides an opportunity to reduce trash by composting these items. There are several ways to recycle organics: • Arrange curbside collection through your garbage hauler. As an incentive, the Hennepin Recycling Group will pay 50% of the cost of the first year of service up to $100. • A free year-round organics drop-off opens this summer in the parking lot of the Crystal Cove Aquatics Center, 4848 Douglas Drive. Sign-up details will be available at hrg-recycling.com. • Or drop off your organics for free at the Hennepin County Drop-Off Facility, 8100 Jefferson Highway, Brooklyn Park. More information about acceptable organics recycling items may be found online at hennepin.us/dropoff under the “Materials accepted – recycling and organics” tab. Organics Recycling Special Materials Drop-Off Day is April 30 Spring cleaning may leave you with a pile of stuff to get rid of. Here’s your chance to recycle items that can be recycled but can’t go in your recycling cart. Drop off your mattresses, electronics, appliances, tires, scrap metal, bikes, batteries and more at Brooklyn Park’s Operations & Maintenance facility, 8300 Noble Ave N. on Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fees may be charged for some items. There will also be free paper shredding. The Special Materials Drop-Off Day is open to residents of New Hope, Crystal, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center. For more information including a complete list of what is accepted visit hrg-recycling.com or call 763.493.8006. Yard Waste Site Opens for Season April 1 No fooling – you can get rid of leaves, brush and other yard waste for free at the Maple Grove Yard Waste Site starting April 1. The site is located at 10300 Maple Grove Parkway. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Find more information online at mgyardwaste.com or call Hennepin Recycling Group at 763.493.8006.Spring Home Improvement Projects? We Can Help! Spring is here, which means many are thinking about home improvement projects to tackle. Whether it be remodeling a kitchen, installing solar panels or new siding, the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) and the City of New Hope can help make it happen through a variety of financing options. From statewide loans to loans specifically for New Hope residents, CEE can help kick off home improvement projects. CEE’s loans offer low monthly payments and flexible terms. Loans are only available while funds last, so beat the spring rush and get started on your home improvement projects early this year. You can find more information about New Hope’s loans at mncee.org/newhope and statewide loans at mncee.org/loans or by callling the CEE at 612.335.5884 for more information. NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 4 Recreation Corner GOLF COURSE PLANT SALE The New Hope Golf Course is hosting a plant sale later this spring. The timing is perfect for enhancing landscaping or last-minute gifts for mom. A great variety of annuals and perennials will be available for a nominal cost. The plant sale is Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the New Hope Golf Village Course, 8130 Bass Lake Road. YOUTH MARTIAL ARTS & FENCING CLASSES This spring, New Hope Parks & Recreation offers Little Tigers Martial Arts classes for youth ages 3-5 from April 5 to May 10 at the New Hope Ice Arena Community Room. Join in on the fun as students learn basic martial arts skills, including kicks, punches and strikes. New or experienced fencers in grades 2-8 can learn the basics of the sport and test their skills as the classes progress. Classes are Thursdays, April 7 to May 12, at the Crystal Community Center. ADULT VIKINGS MUSEUM AND GERTENS TRIP Join the Community Tripsters group on Thursday, May 26, for a field trip! The bus departs from the New Hope Ice Arena at 9:15 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. Experience the history of the Minnesota Vikings at this fascinating museum exhibit and hundreds of historical artifacts. Lunch will follow at the Mason Jar Kitchen (chicken pot pie or meatloaf), and after lunch, Tripsters may purchase award-winning bakery items at the Cupcake Bakery. The bus will then stop at Gertens Garden Center to explore the greenhouses. Cost is $84 per person. Register by April 25. REVSPORTS New Hope Parks & Recreation will be offering several different sports through Revolutionary Sports this spring. RevSports offers instructional programs for kids ages 4-11 in basketball, baseball/T-ball, soccer, tennis and volleyball. All programs concentrate on fundamental skill development and each session ends in a scrimmage. All equipment is provided. For more information about these programs or to register, visit newhopemn.gov/rec or call New Hope Parks and Recreation at 763.531.5151. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, inattentive driving accounts for one in four crashes in Minnesota. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the New Hope Police Department and Minnesota Department of Public Safety want to encourage everyone to take action to stop the distraction. • Phones: Phone conversations pull your focus off the road, whether hands-free or not. Turn ringers off and put phones out of reach to avoid the urge to answer or dial. As a reminder, the Hands-Free law allows drivers to answer their cell phones ONLY by voice command or single-touch – without holding their phone. Hands- free does not, however, mean distraction-free. Drivers are not allowed to use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, social media, playing games, looking at photos or videos, using non-navigation apps or reading text messages. Hand-held phone use is only permitted to obtain emergency assistance if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle and performing official duties. • Adjusting Controls: Set your controls and adjust your mirrors before you begin driving. If your vehicle is in motion, ask a passenger to handle the controls. • Eating or Drinking: Avoid eating and reaching for food or drink while driving. • Reading: It seems like common sense not to read newspapers or books while driving, but it's a common offense. This goes for GPS devices and maps as well. Pull over if you need to study a map or directions. • Don’t Drive Tired: Drive well-rested. If you feel tired, exit the roadway and find a safe place to rest. Opening windows or loud music won’t help you wake up. • Children: Teach children the importance of good behavior while they are passengers in a vehicle. If a child needs assistance with something, find a safe spot to pull over. Visit dps.mn.gov for more information, and as always, stay safe! Have You Used tip411? tip411 is the New Hope Police Department's 100% anonymous crime tip reporting system. Since it launched, users have submitted anonymous tips leading to the identification of shooting suspects and the removal of illegal guns and drugs from the community. There are three ways to use tip411: 1. Send anonymous text tips to 847411 using the keyword "NHPD". 2. Submit anonymous tips using the FREE smartphone app for iOS or Android. 3. Use the anonymous web tip form at newhopemn.gov/tip411 from your desktop. Learn more about tip411 and find a link to download the app on the city's website at newhopemn.gov/tip411. tip411 is not monitored 24/7. Always dial 911 for emergencies. New Hope Village Golf Course New Hope Village Golf Course is a beautiful nine-hole, par 27 course located at 8130 Bass Lake Road. Twenty-three acres of gently-rolling terrain, with large mature trees, water hazards and sand traps make the course a perfect place for golfers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy a round of golf. Reservations may be made by calling 763.531.5178 or online at newhopegolf.org. GOLF LEAGUES New Hope Village Golf Course offers a variety of adult, senior and youth leagues. Joining a golf league is a great way to enjoy the game of golf on a regular basis. Our leagues are open to players of all abilities (emphasis on fun!). All leagues are organized play using the handicap system with special weekly events and seasonal awards. The main focus of our leagues is recreation and enjoyment! INTRO TO GOLF Are you interested in the game of golf but aren’t sure how to get started? The New Hope Village Golf Course is offering a free informative seminar to help you understand the basics of golf to see if this sport could be for you. We’ll cover golf terminology, equipment that is used and the rules of the game. Join us, and see if this could be the sport for you! No registration is required. Note: This is not a golf lesson. Saturday, April 23, 11 to 11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 to 12:30 p.m. at the New Hope Village Golf Course. There is NO cost. Join the Step to It Challenge Build healthy habits by tracking your activity through the Step to It Challenge May 1-28. This fun, free program encourages people of all ages and abilities to become more active. Join the challenge, along with other Hennepin County cities, on behalf of your community, school or workplace. The challenge is not just about walking, you can convert other activities into steps such as running, dancing, gardening, vacuuming and many others. Registration opens April 1 at steptoit.org! Get Registered for Summer Fun! New Hope’s summer recreation guide, “In Motion” recently arrived in New Hope mailboxes. The guide is filled with programming for all ages, including sports, art and STEM programs, special events, outdoor activities, aquatics and adult and senior programs. There’s something for everyone! Find the brochure online at newhopemn.gov/rec or pick one up at New Hope City Hall! New Hope’s third annual city wide garage sale is June 17-18. Participation is open to all New Hope residents and there is no charge to participate. Garage sales registered by June 9 will be included on the event map. Register on the city's website at newhopemn.gov/rec or by calling 763.531.5151. City Wide Garage Sale is June 17-18 Get Roped into the Bike Rodeo on May 5 Saddle up and join the Bike Rodeo on Thursday, May 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road. The Bike Rodeo provides riders an opportunity to get their helmets properly fitted, navigate their bikes through a safety skills course and get their bikes checked for safety. Participants can also enter a door prize drawing to win a new bike! This event is sponsored by the cities of New Hope, Crystal, Golden Valley and Robbinsdale and is FREE!