06 27 22 City Council Minutes
New Hope City Council June 27, 2022
Page 1
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, Minnesota 55428
City Council Minutes June 27, 2022
Regular Meeting City Hall, 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER The New Hope City Council met in regular session pursuant to due call and notice
thereof; Mayor Hemken called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
The City Council and all present stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Council present:
Staff present:
Kathi Hemken, Mayor
John Elder, Council Member
Andy Hoffe, Council Member
Michael Isenberg, Council Member
Jonathan London, Council Member
Tim Hoyt, Acting City Manager
Jeff Alger, Community Development Specialist
Brandon Bell, CD Coordinator/Management Analyst
Dan Boyum, City Engineer
Rich Johnson, Director of HR/Admin. Services
Brad Kallio, Crime Prevention Officer
Valerie Leone, City Clerk
Tony Portesan, Recreation Facilities Supervisor
Susan Rader, Director of Parks & Recreation
Jeff Sargent, Director of Community Development
Aaron Thelen, Recreation Supervisor
Bernie Weber, Director of Public Works
Stacy Woods, City Attorney
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
Motion was made by Council Member Hoffe, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 13, 2022. Voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion carried.
OPEN FORUM
Mr. Evan Swanson, 3949 Wisconsin Avenue North; Jeff Harper, 3941 Wisconsin
Avenue North; and Carol Kline, 3948 Wisconsin Avenue North shared concerns
regarding disorderly conduct at the group home located at 3957 Wisconsin Avenue
North.
Mayor Hemken thanked the residents for their comments and informed them that
the information will be relayed to department directors.
PRESENTATION: Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 5.1, Presentation of an Award of
Excellence from Minnesota Recreation and Park Association.
New Hope City Council June 27, 2022
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MRPA AWARD OF
EXCELLENCE
Item 5.1
Ms. Elizabeth Owens, MRPA Awards Committee, was recognized. She provided
background of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association and commended
the city on receiving an award of excellence for the Civic Center Park and Pool
Project in the “parks and facilities” category.
Mr. Aaron Thelen, recreation supervisor, and Mr. Tony Portesan, Recreation
Facilities Supervisor, were recognized. Mr. Thelen thanked Ms. Owens for the
award and indicated the project would not have been a success without the
support of the City Council. Mr. Portesan indicated the annual attendance at the
aquatic center was 46,000 last year, and this year there have been some record‐
breaking attendance records already due to the recent hot weather. He noted the
aquatic park users have been enjoying the amenities.
Mayor Hemken thanked Mr. Thelen for submitting the nomination and
congratulated staff on the award.
ROTATING VOTES
Please note that votes taken on each agenda item are called by the secretary on a
rotating basis; however, the written minutes always list the mayor’s name first
followed by the council members’ in alphabetical order.
CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Hemken introduced the consent items as listed for consideration and stated
that all items will be enacted by one motion unless requested that an item be
removed for discussion. Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, reviewed the consent
items.
BUSINESS LICENSES
Item 6.1
Approval of business licenses.
FINANCIAL CLAIMS
Item 6.2
Approval of financial claims through June 27, 2022.
RESOLUTION 2022‐78
Item 6.4
Resolution appointing election judges for Primary Election of August 9, 2022, and
General Election of November 8, 2022.
MOTION
Item 6.5
Motion accepting donations for the 2022 Movies in the Park and Music in the Park
programs.
MOTION
Item 6.6
Motion accepting contributions for the 2021‐2022 Donut Make You Wonder and
Author Series programs.
MOTION
Item 6.7
Motion authorizing Pub42 to dispense liquor off premises for the Duk Duk Duel
softball tournament held July 15‐17, 2022.
MOTION
Item 6.8
Motion waiving permit fees for temporary signs and tent for New Hope Lions corn
feed on August 10, 2022.
MOTION
Consent Items
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member Hoffe,
to approve the Consent items. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
New Hope City Council June 27, 2022
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PUBLIC HEARING
SUNAR LLC, DBA
VIKING LIQUOR
OFF‐SALE LICENSE
Item 7.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 7.1, Motion approving an off‐sale
liquor license to Sunar LLC, dba Viking Liquor, 7141 42nd Avenue North.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager, stated the public hearing is to consider
granting an off‐sale intoxicating liquor license to Sunar LLC at 7141 42nd Avenue
North. He stated the liquor store recently changed ownership and the new owner,
Rajesh Sunar, is in attendance . He indicated the required background
investigation was conducted, and there is nothing detrimental to report.
Mr. Hoyt asked Council to allow for public comment before taking action on the
license. There was no one in the audience desirous of addressing Council for the
public hearing.
Mr. Rajesh Sunar introduced himself and stated he recently moved to New Hope
from the state of Maryland. He indicated he is aware of New Hope’s liquor laws
and compliance check process.
Mayor Hemken emphasized the importance of preventing liquor sales to minors.
Mayor Hemken welcomed Mr. Sunar to the city.
CLOSE HEARING
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Council Member Elder, seconded by Council Member
Isenberg, to close the public hearing. All present voted in favor. Motion carried.
MOTION
Item 7.1
Motion was made by Isenberg, seconded by Council Member Hoffe, approving an
off‐sale liquor license to Sunar LLC, dba Viking Liquor, 7141 42nd Avenue
North. Voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the
following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None. Motion
carried.
9210 SCIENCE
CENTER DRIVE CUP
(PLANNING CASE
22‐01)
Item 8.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.1, Resolution approving
Conditional Use Permit for Open Outdoor Storage Area Relating to Real Property
Located at 9210 Science Center Drive (New Hope Planning Case 22‐01).
Mr. Brandon Bell, community development coordinator/management analyst,
stated Pallet One MN, Inc., located at 9210 Science Center Drive, submitted an
application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for open outdoor storage as a
principal or accessory use in the industrial district. The applicant is proposing to
utilize a portion of the site’s current parking lot for the parking and storage of up
to 45 semi‐trailers. The proposed trailer storage area of 20,250 square feet would
exceed 20 percent of the building’s 55,000 square foot area, which triggers the need
for a conditional use permit (CUP).
He explained that granting a property a CUP for open outdoor storage requires all
open outdoor storage to be screened from the right‐of‐way. The applicant is
proposing to install 21 Colorado Spruce trees on the south side of the storage area.
The trees will be between four to six feet tall at installation and will grow
approximately eight inches annually until they reach a height of 30 to 40 feet. Since
the applicant is only proposing to store semi‐trailers in the storage area, security
New Hope City Council June 27, 2022
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fencing will not be needed as long as all semi‐trailers are locked and secured
during non‐business hours.
Mr. Bell illustrated the property. He stated the Planning Commission considered
the request for a CUP allowing for open outdoor storage at 9210 Science Center
Drive and recommended approval with a 7‐0 vote, subject to several conditions as
outlined in the resolution.
Council Member London commented that it will take several years before four‐
foot trees mature to provide full screening. He also inquired regarding exterior
lights for security purposes.
Mr. Bell stated the city code requires trees between four to six feet in size and the
Colorado Spruce will grow eight inches per year. He noted trees are more
aesthetically pleasing than a tall fence. He stated Council may want to consider
amending the code.
Mr. Bell stated the trailers will be locked and city code does not require security
fencing.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager/director of police, stated the police will drive
through the lots nightly. He noted the situation is similar to a car dealership that
does not have perimeter fencing.
Mayor Hemken pointed out the business is located in an industrial area.
RESOLUTION 2022‐79
Item 8.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
OPEN OUTDOOR STORAGE AREA RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 9210 SCIENCE CENTER DRIVE (NEW HOPE PLANNING
CASE 22‐01).” The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
seconded by Council Member Isenberg, and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg; and the
following voted against the same: London; Abstained: None; Absent: None;
whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the
mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
9220 BASS LAKE
ROAD, SUITE LL85
CUP (PLANNING
CASE 22‐02)
Item 8.2
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.2, Resolution approving
Conditional Use Permit for Isaiah Pantoe doing business as The River of Covenant
International Ministry at 9220 Bass Lake Road, Suite LL85 (New Hope Planning
Case 22‐02).
Mr. Jeff Alger, community development specialist, stated The River of Covenant
International Ministry is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
to open a church at 9220 Bass Lake Road in Suite LL85. The building is home to
two other churches and several office and service businesses. The River of
Covenant International Ministry would be located in a 1,200 square foot space in
the lower level of the building. It is expected that 15 to 20 people would attend
services every Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. There would also be a bible
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study session every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (three to five people in
attendance) and a service every Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (two to three
people in attendance). The River of Covenant International Ministry also plans to
host conferences once a month from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (10 to 15 people in
attendance) and meet at the building on occasional Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30
a.m. for community volunteer days (five to six people in attendance).
Mr. Alger stated at the June 7, 2022, Planning Commission meeting, two owners of
a property expressed concerns about screening between the subject property and
single‐family homes to the north. A CUP allowing for the conversion of the
office/warehouse building to a multi‐tenant office building was approved in 2001.
The construction of a fence along the north property line from the west end of the
site toward the west end of the building and then south to the building was
required. No other new screening was required along the north side of the
building. Staff conducted a site visit on June 9, 2022, to review landscaping plans
from when the conversion was approved as compared to now. Four trees between
the building and properties to the north have been removed. Two of the trees were
located near the northwest corner of the building, where the required fence was
installed. The other two were located near the northeast portion of the building
and now have volunteer trees growing out of/near the remaining stumps. The
volunteer trees are similar to large bushes and help screen building windows in
these areas. Subsequent requests for Conditional Use Permits at the property have
not involved the installation of new parking or alterations to the exterior of the
building, and new screening requirements have not been implemented. Staff is not
recommending any additional required screening as part of the CUP request. If
trees are removed in the future, the property owner will be responsible for
replacing them or screening those areas as required by City Code.
Mr. Alger stated the Planning Commission considered the request for a CUP
allowing for a church to be located at 9220 Bass Lake Road and recommended
approval with a 7‐0 vote, subject to the several conditions as outlined in the
resolution.
Council Member Elder inquired of the tree height. Mr. Alger stated the existing
trees are between 25‐30 feet tall.
Council Member London recommended that future reports identify the view from
a residential neighbor perspective instead of an aerial view.
Mr. Alger explained that in 2001, screening that was added as well as building
improvements such as window blinds and timers for lights. He indicated the
owner is still meeting the conditions that were put in place over 20 years ago.
RESOLUTION 2022‐80
Item 8.2
Council Member Hemken introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
ISAIAH PANTOE DOING BUSINESS AS THE RIVER OF COVENANT
INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY AT 9220 BASS LAKE ROAD, SUITE LL85
(NEW HOPE PLANNING CASE 22‐02).” The motion for the adoption of the
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foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe,
Isenberg; and the following voted against the same: London; Abstained: None;
Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and adopted,
signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2022‐2023 SANITARY
SEWER LINING
PROJECT
(IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1086)
Item 8.3
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 8.3, Resolution approving plans
and specifications and authorizing the advertisement for bids for the proposed
2022‐2023 Sanitary Sewer Lining project (Improvement Project No. 1086).
Mr. Dan Boyum, city engineer, requested Council’s approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to seek bids for sanitary sewer lining projects for
2022 and 2023. He explained the work is done to reduce inflow and infiltration in
the sanitary sewer system. There is $350,000 earmarked in each year of the CIP
budgets for a total of $700,000. Staff recommends combining the two years of work
into one contract to obtain favorable bids and save on engineering costs. The
proposed work includes lining on streets adjacent to the proposed noisewall along
TH 169 from Independence to 62nd Avenue and in the northeast corner of the city.
There is one remaining street in the northwest area of the city that will also be
lined. He stated several alternates will be included with the bid package and added
to the contract if favorable bid prices are received. If Council approves the plans
and specifications, bids would be presented to Council at the August 8 Council
Meeting.
Mr. Boyum stated metering studies are undertaken to monitor flows before and
after the lining to determine the effectiveness.
Council Member London recommended that the I&I lining project work be added
to the Performance Measurement Report & Smart Goals similar to the streets’
pavement rating index.
RESOLUTION 2022‐81
Item 8.3
Council Member London introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
AND AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR THE
PROPOSED 2022‐2023 SANITARY SEWER LINING PROJECT
(IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1086).” The motion for the adoption of the
foregoing resolution was seconded by Council Member Elder, and upon vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe,
Isenberg, London; and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by the city clerk.
2023‐2025 LABOR
AGREEMENT
Item 10.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 10.1, Resolution ratifying the 2023‐
2025 labor agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local #77.
Mr. Rich Johnson, director of human resources/admin. services, stated the
resolution ratifies the 2023‐2025 agreement with LELS Local #77 for the police
officers. He stated Council reviewed the components of the proposed agreement
New Hope City Council June 27, 2022
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at its closed meeting on June 20, 2022, and directed staff to place the item on the
June 27 Council Meeting agenda for approval.
Mr. Johnson answered a few questions that were asked at the work session
including the costs of hiring and employee turnover costs. He stated the
information was derived from the Employee Benefit News (EBN) reports.
RESOLUTION 2022‐82
Item 10.1
Council Member Elder introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption: “RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE 2023‐2025 LABOR AGREEMENT
WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES (LELS) LOCAL #77.” The
motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Council
Member Isenberg, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Hemken, Elder, Hoffe, Isenberg, London; and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the mayor which was attested to by
the city clerk.
EXCHANGE OF
COMMUNICATION
Item 12.1
Mayor Hemken introduced for discussion Item 12.1, Exchange of communication
between members of the City Council.
Mayor Hemken reported on upcoming events.
Council sought advice of the city attorney regarding addressing the problems at a
group home. City Attorney Stacy Woods indicated a rental registration can be
revoked for disorderly behavior violations. She stated the process must be
followed as outlined in city code.
Mr. Tim Hoyt, acting city manager and police chief, stated a meeting has been
scheduled with the property owner, police department staff, community
development staff, and the embedded social worker, in an attempt to address the
problems.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Council Member Isenberg, seconded by Council Member
Elder, to adjourn the meeting, as there was no further business to come before
the Council. All present voted in favor. Motion carried. The New Hope City
Council adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Leone, City Clerk