In Touch_May/June 2022MAY/JUNE 2022
NO. 214
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
Acting City Manager - Tim Hoyt
thoyt@newhopemn.gov | 763.531.1203
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
Improvements Coming to Hidden Valley Park
PAGE 2
Food Truck Friday Returns this Summer
Only Rain Down the Storm Drain
Curbside Appeal Reimbursement Program
CEE Offers Home Improvement Loans
Mark Your Calendars
PAGE 3
Farmers Market Returns June 18
Being Bee Friendly
It's Bonfire Season
Streetlight Problem?
Call Before You Dig
Parks & Recreation Corner
PAGE 4
Austin Recognized as Employee of the Quarter
Thank You, Public Works
May is Building Safety Month
Juvenile Curfew Reminder
Stay Connected with the City!
Changes are coming to Hidden Valley Park this
summer! The park, located at 8800 32nd Avenue,
will be updated with new playground equipment and
overall site improvements.
The project includes replacing the main playground
equipment and the large playground container,
the edging on the tot container, the path leading from
the park trail to the playground containers, bench
pads, the picnic table pad and the retaining wall.
Project contracts were awarded at the May 9 New
Hope City Council meeting. Flagship Recreation and
Landscape Structures were awarded contracts to
purchase and install the playground equipment. Haho
Companies, LLC was awarded the contract for the
playground site work.
The playground equipment at Hidden Valley Park is
currently the oldest in the New Hope parks system,
last replaced in 1998. The tot area, replaced in 2017 following an arson incident, will not be replaced as part of the project. In 2011,
the City began using a playground vendor who had a program to refurbish equipment. Landscape Structures, currently
represented by Flagship Recreation, was the only playground equipment company to offer a program. They are also listed on the
State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture. In the long-term, using Landscapes Structures enables the City to update
playgrounds by re-using and updating some pieces of equipment or structure posts rather than replacing the entire structure. This
only works with existing Landscape Structures playgrounds. The equipment currently at Hidden Valley Park was not purchased
through Landscape Structures, so it cannot be refurbished.
The project is funded by the Park Infrastructure Fund, which is levy-funded annually, with an estimated total cost of $318,262. The
total budgeted for the playground project was $250,000, with an additional $75,000 budgeted for concrete and trail work. The
City has also applied for a 2022 Hennepin Youth Sports Program Playground Grant for $50,000, which, if awarded, would reduce
the funding required from the Park Infrastructure Fund. The City previously received grant awards for the Fred Sims Park, Sunnyside
Park and Corner Park Playground projects.
New Hope staff engaged neighborhood residents in the planning process for the new playground. In the fall of 2021, a survey was
sent to area residents gathering initial feedback and inviting them to participate in the planning process. In February, a committee
comprised of neighborhood representatives, Flagship Recreation, New Hope City Council, New Hope Citizen Advisory
Commission, city staff and the city engineer met to view initial playground plans. Following discussion at the meeting,
modifications were made to the project plans and reviewed at a second committee meeting in early March.
Construction is anticipated to be completed later this summer.
National Night Out is Aug. 2
New Hope’s 2022 National Night
Out, Night to Unite celebration is
scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2 from
6 to 9 p.m.
While the traditional “lights on”
and front porch vigils remain a
part of the event, activities have
expanded to include block parties,
cookouts and much more. The
goal of the event is to help build
and grow neighborhood camaraderie, police-community relationships and crime
prevention awareness.
Visit newhopemn.gov/nno or contact Officer Kallio at bkallio@newhopemn.gov
or 763.398.1229 to register or for more information.
It's Almost Time! Aquatic Park to Open for Season
Spend your summer at the New Hope Aquatic Park! In 2022, the Aquatic Park is open
June 4-5 and June 9-Aug. 21. Features include a shallow water recreation area with
zero-depth entry, fast and slow body slides, current channel, vortex pool, tot slide and
play features. A separate 50-meter pool features one- and three-meter diving boards,
a drop slide and an all-new Wibit (floatable water play) which is set up on the
weekends. The facility offers seating throughout and a concessions area with a wide
range of menu items.
Individual memberships are as low as $60 per person and allow unlimited access
during open swimming. Adults can participate in morning or evening (new this year)
lap swimming or water walking at no extra charge with a membership! Don’t delay-
membership rates increase after June 3 at 4:30 p.m. For details about Aquatic Park hours, memberships, swimming lessons, cabana
rentals and more, call 763.531.5151 or visit newhopemn.gov/aquatics.
The City will begin offering funds for exterior improvements
to single- and two-family homes through the Curbside
Appeal Reimbursement Program on June 1.
The program is intended to encourage homeowners to
make upgrades to the exterior of their homes and garages in
areas that are visible from the street. The City will reimburse
a portion of the costs for projects that meet eligibility
requirements while funds are available. Goals of the program
include improving the city’s housing stock, instilling confidence into neighborhoods
and increasing home values.
Eligible properties include owner-occupied one-and two-family homes that do not
have past due taxes, citations, or utility bills. Eligible improvements to a house or
garage must take place in a front and/or side yard that abuts a street.
REIMBURSEMENT
All projects must be pre-approved by city staff and completed within 180 days. Work
cannot begin until the City has approved an application. Projects eligible for
reimbursement must cost at least $4,000. The City will reimburse property owners
25% of costs with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000. Funds will be dispersed on
a first-come, first-served basis. Property owners who do work themselves can submit
material lists and get paid for material costs but not labor.
PROJECT COST RESIDENT COST CITY REIMBURSEMENT
$3,999 or less 100% of cost (not eligible)$0
$4,000 $3,000 $1,000
$8,000 $6,000 $2,000
$12,000 $9,000 $3,000
$16,000 $12,000 $4,000
$20,000 $15,000 $5,000
$20,001 or more 100% of cost above $20,000 $5,000
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
• Alteration to roofline
• Addition of covered front porch
• Installation of new front door with window(s)
• Installation of new storm door with window(s)
• Installation of new garage door that includes windows and/or is comprised of
solid, stained or composite wood
• Addition of windows above and/or on side(s) of front door (sidelight and transom
windows)
• Installation of column(s)
• Addition of brick or stone façade/accents
• Incorporation of address numbers into stone façade
• Installation of shutters, shakes, and/or board and batten siding
• Enlargement of window(s) by at least 25% or addition of window(s) to area that
did not previously have window opening
Learn more about the Curbside Appeal Reimbursement Program online at
newhopemn.gov/curbsideappeal or by calling 763.531.5119 or 763.531.5114.
Mark Your Calendars
JUNE
June 4-5, June 9 Aquatic Park Open for Season
June 4 Vehicle Fair
June 6 Human Rights Commission Meeting
June 7 Planning Commission Meeting
June 8 Music in the Park, Dirty Shorts Brass Band
June 10 Food Truck Friday Begins
June 11 Young Mudder
June 13 City Council Meeting
June 14 Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting
June 15 Morning Music in the Park, The Jolly Pops
June 16 Movie in the Park, “The Lego Movie”
June 17 & 18 City-Wide Garage Sale
June 18 Farmers Market Opens for Season
June 20 Council Work Session
June 22 Music in the Park, Mitchell Hall & The Tennesse Trio
June 27 City Council Meeting
JULY
July 4 Independence Day, City Offices Closed
July 6 Music in the Park, Sawyer’s Dream
July 12 Citizen Advisory Commission Meeting
July 14 Movie in the Park, “The Lion King”
July 15-17 Aquatic Park Closed for Swim Meet, No Food Truck Friday or
Farmers Market
July 25 City Council Meeting
July 27 Music in the Park, Blue Ox Trio
July 21-Aug. 6 New Hope Summer Theatre
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
New Curbside Appeal Reimbursement ProgramFood Truck Friday Returns this Summer!
Food Truck Friday is back! Join your neighbors
and end the week with the deliciousness of Food
Truck Friday at New Hope City Hall from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
The fun runs from June 10 to Aug. 19 (no Food
Truck Friday, July 15). Most Fridays will feature
three to four food trucks with occasional
special activities and events.
Find complete details, including the schedule of
trucks and special events, on the City's website at
newhopemn.gov/foodtruckfriday.
Center for Energy and Environment Offers Home Improvement Loans
Considering a home improvement project this year? The City partners with the local
nonprofit Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to offer residential property
owners access to a comprehensive array of financing and rehabilitation services.
Project examples include, but are not limited to, interior remodels (kitchen, bathroom,
basement, etc.), roofing, siding and windows. There are no income limits, however,
funding is limited. Curbside Appeal Reimbursement Program projects are eligible for
the loan. The CEE also offers emergency deferred loans for emergencies that make a
house uninhabitable, extremely dangerous to the occupants or capable of causing
severe health problems.
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 and statewide
loans at mncee.org/newhope and mncee.org/loans or call the CEE at 612.335.5884 for
more information.
Only Rain Down the Storm Drain
Public waters are sources of drinking water and provide
recreational opportunities such as swimming, boating and fishing,
which can all be negatively affected by the pollutants stormwater
carries. An illicit discharge is any discharge to the storm sewer
system that is harmful to the health and welfare of people, wildlife
or surface waters.
Illicit discharges include the dumping of items such as:
• Sediment washing from construction sites
• Chemical or oil spills
• Pesticides, herbicides, wash water from cleaning up paint and household cleaners
• Sewage from broken sewer lines
WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE NOT CONSIDERED ILLICIT DISCHARGES?
Waterline flushing, residential car washing, draining dechlorinated swimming pools
(left to rest for seven or more days after treatment), firefighting and lawn watering are
not considered to be illicit discharges.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT AN ILLICIT DISCHARGE?
The City of New Hope is committed to eliminating illicit discharge into its storm
sewer system. If you notice illegal or suspicious dumping into a storm sewer inlet or
curb ditch, you should report the problem online at newhopemn.gov/reportanissue or
by calling New Hope Public Works at 763.592.6777. For any issue requiring immediate
attention, dial 911.
Remember, only rain down the storm drain!
NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 3
Recreation Corner
GYMNASTICS
Spend your summer tumbling, spinning and twisting. Our quality gymnastics staff
will provide their expertise to help participants to achieve better physical fitness,
coordination and gymnastics skills all while having a great time! This program has
an ability-level curriculum designed to help you determine which is the best class
for your child.
JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUES
It’s not too late to grab some friends and enjoy your summer playing golf in our
junior league! Youth of all skill levels between the ages of 8 and 17 can
participate in this 10-week league. This league focuses on recreation, learning
and fun and features weekly instruction with events and prizes. There will be a
pizza party on the last league day.
SPORTS CAMPS
Sign up for one of our exciting sports camps in June. We have opportunities for
kids of all ages and skill levels. The sports in June include baseball, boys and girls
basketball, golf, lacrosse, ninja warriors and girls volleyball.
SUMMER BALL & PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS
Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Youth ages 4-10 can
participate in a T-Ball or Pitch by Coach baseball program in the evenings at
Meadow Lake Elementary fields. Or, youth ages 7-12 can join our playground staff
at various New Hope Parks for our Playground Pals program from 9:30-11:30 a.m.,
or the Super Summer program from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
SUMMER ICE SKATING LESSONS
This summer, cool off with some summer skating lessons. Lessons are available
for skaters 3 years of age and older and rental skates are also available. Lessons
are held on Monday evenings starting June 13 through Aug. 22 at the New Hope
Ice Arena.
YOUNG MUDDER
Youth ages 6-12 will have the opportunity to run through unique obstacles that
are challenging and messy. There will be 10-12 obstacles that participants will
complete before getting washed up by West Metro Fire-Rescue on the giant
slip-n-slide. The event will take place at Valley Place Park in Crystal on Saturday,
June 11 from 9 a.m. to noon; parents can participate from 11 a.m. to noon. Cost is
$25/person.
For more information about these programs or to register, visit
newhopemn.gov/rec or call New Hope Parks and Recreation at 763.531.5151.
Vehicle Fair is June 4
Families are invited to see vehicles that come
and go through their neighborhood. A wide
variety of trucks and cars will be on display to
explore such as police, fire, public works, tow
trucks, food trucks and much more!
This FREE event is Saturday, June 4 from
10 a.m. to noon at the Crystal Community
Center, 4800 Douglas Dr. A free-will donation
of non-perishable food items for the local food
shelf will be accepted.
Music, Movies in the Park
Join us for FREE musical entertainment
on several Wednesday evenings this
summer at 7 p.m. and movies once a
month on Thursday evenings at dusk!
The seven music performances range
from blues, rock, jazz, folk, pop,
instrumental, children’s music to
Caribbean dance.
Summer Movies in the Park include “The
Lego Movie”, “The Lion King”, and “Remember the Titans”. Bring a blanket or lawn
chair to sit on the built-in seating in the grass. All movies and music will take place at
the New Hope Performance Center (4401 Xylon Ave N). For a complete schedule
visit newhopemn.gov or call 763.531.5151.
City-Wide Garage Sale
The third annual city-wide garage sale will take
place on June 17-18. Find those treasures you seek
or host a sale of your own. New Hope residents
can sign up to have their garage sale listed on a
map that will be published on the City’s website.
No charge to participate. To register your sale, call
763.531.5151 or go to newhopemn.gov/rec by
June 9.
Farmer's Market Returns June 18
The New Hope Community Farmers
Market is back this summer! Shop the
market for fresh fruits, vegetables,
locally prepared food, handicrafts and
more. Located at New Hope Civic
Center, 4401 Xylon Ave N, the market is
open on Saturdays, June 18 to Sept. 24
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no market
July 16.
The New Hope Community Farmers
Market is a 501c4 non-profit corporation
led by a volunteer board of directors from the community. For more information, visit
newhopemarket.org.
Being Bee Friendly
Did you know that New Hope is a designated “Bee Friendly City”?
The City of New Hope supports pollinators and pollinator habitats.
It is committed to creating a safe and healthy community for people
and pollinators through the implementation of pest management
best practices on New Hope city property. Citywide practices
include refraining from using systemic pesticides that are harmful
to pollinators, including those containing neonicotinoids, and making every effort to
plant flowers favorable to bees and other pollinators.
To learn how you can help support pollinators and pollinator habitats, visit the
University of Minnesota Bee Lab at beelab.umn.edu.
As a reminder, New Hope City Ordinance states that beehives must be located 500
feet from any other property, and a special permit is required.
It's Bonfire Season!
Don’t get burned - recreational fires are permitted, but restricted, in
New Hope:
• Fires must be in an approved outdoor fireplace or pit, at or
below grade, and no more than three feet in diameter.
• Fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible
materials.
• Use portable outdoor fireplaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions and
not within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.
• Do not use fires to dispose of yard waste or household trash.
• Fires are not allowed if winds exceed seven miles per hour or if the Minnesota
DNR issues a fire ban.
• A property owner or a designated adult must constantly attend to the fire until
completely extinguished.
• A garden hose must be available within 15 feet for emergency purposes.
• Fires must be extinguished by 11 p.m.
If you have questions about recreational fires or other fire-related topics, contact
West Metro Fire-Rescue at 763.230.7000.
Streetlight Problem?
Most of the streetlights in New Hope are owned, operated and maintained by Xcel
Energy. If a streetlight has burned out, malfunctioned or been damaged, residents may
call Xcel Energy at 1.800.960.6235 or New Hope Public Works at 763.592.6761.
New Hope Public Works shares reported issues, as appropriate, with Xcel Energy.
Residents may also call Public Works if they have general questions about streetlights.
Call Before You Dig
Are you planning to plant a tree, install a fence
or put footings in for a new deck? Protect
yourself and those around you by using
Gopher State One Call (GSOC). Minnesota
state law requires that you contact GSOC to
have utilities located before beginning any
project that requires digging.
Digging without calling can disrupt service to
an entire neighborhood, harm you and those
around you and potentially result in fines and
repair costs.
Contacting Gopher State One Call is easy and
can be done online at gopherstateonecall.org
or by calling 811. Required information includes
contact information, type of work, dig location details and project timing.
Utility companies will mark the location of underground utility lines with either paint
or flags. Respect the utility markers and dig carefully. The process is easy, free and
available 24/7.
NEW HOPE IN TOUCH | PAGE 4
Juvenile Curfew Reminder
In Hennepin County, there is a county-wide curfew ordinance for anyone under 18.
The curfew intends to protect children and teens from being involved in or
victimized by crime during nighttime hours.
There are exceptions for employment, school, religious observances, sponsored
recreational activities, emergencies, errands at the direction of a parent or guardian
and engaging in activities protected by the First Amendment.
The law applies if the child is in any public place after curfew hours, including
walking, biking or driving a vehicle.
If young people are in a public place or business after the above hours without a
parent, guardian or another responsible adult, they may be cited by police.
A public place means any place to which the public or a substantial group of the
public has access and includes streets, highways, and common areas of schools,
hospitals, apartment houses, office buildings, transport facilities and shops.
The complete ordinance can be viewed on Hennepin County Attorney's website
at hennepinattorney.org/curfew. Contact the New Hope Police Department at
763.531.5170 with questions.
Austin Recognized as Employee of the Quarter
Britni Austin, New Hope Police Department Investigator, was named New Hope’s
Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2022.
Investigator Austin was nominated for her initiative in leading the police department’s
mental health efforts. The nomination stated, “Britni coordinates with our embedded
social worker, the group home social worker, and caseworkers to see that people get
in contact with services that can reduce calls for emergency police services. Britni
represents the NHPD on various collaborative projects within the west metro and
Hennepin County. She is also part of the county-wide discussion of response options
to crisis calls.” The nomination further described
Austin’s passion for her work and the benefit seen
both internally within the department and
externally in the community.
Thank you, Investigator Austin! The City commends
you for this work that has continued to rise in
importance within the community.
Austin joined the department in 2012 and has
received several commendations and letters of
appreciation for her work.
Stay Connected with the City!
Visit the city website and follow New Hope on social media to stay informed
about all the latest news, projects, events and happenings.
• City of New Hope Website: newhopemn.gov
• City of New Hope Facebook: facebook.com/newhopeminnesota
• New Hope Police Department Facebook: facebook.com/newhopepd
• New Hope Parks & Recreation Facebook:
facebook.com/newhoperecreation
• City of New Hope Instagram: instagram.com/newhopemn
• Nextdoor: nextdoor.com/agency/city-of-new-hope
REPORT AN ISSUE
Community members can share concerns with city staff via the website or
from a mobile device using Ready 311.
Report potholes, graffiti, property maintenance issues and more at
newhopemn.gov/reportanissue or using the Ready 311 App for iOS or
Android.
SUBMIT ANONYMOUS CRIME TIPS
Sign up for tip411 to submit anonymous crime tips and receive alerts from the
New Hope Police Department. Learn more at newhopemn.gov/tip411.
1. Send anonymous text tips to 84711 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 a
computer.
Note: Always use 911 when immediate assistance is needed, to report a crime
in progress or in an emergency.
New Hope proclaimed May 15-21, 2022, as National Public Works Week to honor the
dedication and valuable contributions made by public works personnel.
Public Works Week is observed annually in the United States to recognize those who
provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public
works. Public works personnel design, build, operate, maintain and protect the
transportation systems, water supply infrastructure, sewer systems, public
buildings, parks and other structures and facilities. Public works infrastructure, facilities
and services play a pivotal role in the health, safety and quality of life in communities
throughout the country.
In New Hope, public works personnel maintain and service nearly 65 miles of city
streets, 630 miles of sidewalks, 65 miles of water mains, 716 fire hydrants, 75 miles of
sanitary sewer pipes and 57 miles of storm sewer pipes. They also maintain city parks,
playgrounds and ball fields.
Public Works crews diligently ensure that they respond when needed, and often that
need is outside of regular business hours. In addition to their usually scheduled work
week, these crews often work throughout the night, on weekends and holidays to
ensure the community’s infrastructure is safe and functional.
The City of New Hope extends a sincere message of appreciation to public works
personnel for their dedication and commitment to the community!
Thank You, Public Works!
May is Building Safety Month
May is Building Safety Month, a world-
wide campaign presented by the Internal
Code Council, its members and partners
to promote building safety. This year’s
campaign, “Safety for All: Building Codes
in Action,” raises awareness about the
importance of building codes in
ensuring safety in the spaces in which we
live, work and learn.
The City of New Hope recognizes that
confidence in the buildings that make
up our community is achieved through
the devotion of building safety and fire
prevention officials, architects, engineers,
builders, tradespeople, laborers, plumbers
and others in the construction industry
who work year-round to ensure the safe construction of buildings.
“New Hope’s code enforcement officials are a critical part of public safety in the
community,” said New Hope Community Development Director, Jeff Sargent.
“Building Safety Month creates awareness about the important work these
individuals do on a daily basis to ensure safety in the spaces where individuals live,
work and learn.”
Thank you to the building code and inspections staff and West Metro Fire-Rescue
officials for ensuring the safety and desirability of New Hope properties through their
work!
City of New Hope Inspections Staff